Serie A champions Napoli are preparing to rekindle their interest in Manchester United’s talented winger Alejandro Garnacho, with reports suggesting a £45 million bid is in the works for the 20-year-old Argentine. The move comes amid a strained relationship between Garnacho and United manager Ruben Amorim, with the young star’s future at Old Trafford increasingly uncertain. As Napoli aim to bolster their attacking options, Garnacho’s pace, flair, and potential make him a prime target for Antonio Conte’s side, potentially reuniting him with former United teammate Scott McTominay in Naples.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Napoli are back in for Alejandro Garnacho and are hoping to sign the Man Utd forward for £45m.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 9, 2025
(Source: @DiscoMirror) pic.twitter.com/aDugCch2hd
A Fallout at Old Trafford
Alejandro Garnacho’s time at Manchester United has been marked by flashes of brilliance but also recent turbulence. The academy graduate, who joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for just £420,000, has made 144 senior appearances for United, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists. However, his relationship with Amorim has deteriorated, particularly after being dropped for the Europa League final against Tottenham in May 2025, where he played just 19 minutes in a 1-0 defeat. Garnacho’s public frustration, including labelling United’s season as “sh*t” in a post-match interview and his visible disengagement during a post-season tour in Asia—where he was seen yawning and gesturing dismissively to fans—has fueled speculation of an imminent exit.
Reports indicate that Amorim, in a heated exchange, told Garnacho to “pray that you can find a club to sign you” after the winger’s outspoken criticism of his limited role. The 20-year-old was notably absent from United’s pre-season training at Carrington, training alone while his teammates prepared for the 2025-26 campaign, further signaling his marginalization under Amorim’s regime. With United open to offers for most of their squad as part of a ruthless rebuild, Garnacho’s sale could generate significant funds, given his status as an academy product representing pure profit under Financial Fair Play rules.
Napoli’s Persistent Interest
Napoli’s pursuit of Garnacho dates back to January 2025, when they lodged a £40 million bid that was rebuffed by United, who valued the winger at £50-60 million. The Serie A side, fresh off their title triumph and bolstered by funds from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s £59 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, are now ready to return with a slightly improved £45 million offer, according to The Mirror. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is reportedly set to hold talks with United this week to bridge the valuation gap, which previously stood at €10 million (£8.4 million).
Antonio Conte, who has already added high-profile names like Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli’s ranks, sees Garnacho as an ideal fit for his high-octane, attacking system. The Argentine’s directness, pace, and ability to operate on either flank align with Conte’s preference for dynamic wingers who can stretch defenses and provide service to forwards like Romelu Lukaku. Napoli’s interest was briefly diverted to Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, but the German star’s reluctance to move mid-season has refocused their attention on Garnacho.
The potential reunion with Scott McTominay, who earned Serie A’s Most Valuable Player award after a stellar debut season with Napoli, adds further intrigue. McTominay’s success since leaving United in 2024 highlights Napoli’s ability to rejuvenate players, a factor that could appeal to Garnacho as he seeks regular playing time.
Challenges and Competition
Despite Napoli’s determination, several hurdles remain. United’s valuation of Garnacho remains closer to £55-60 million, with reports suggesting they could demand up to £70 million from Premier League rivals like Chelsea, who have also shown interest but have yet to formalize an offer. Garnacho reportedly prefers to stay in the Premier League, which could complicate Napoli’s plans, especially as Chelsea prioritize other targets like Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens. Additionally, Napoli’s sporting director has previously cited concerns over Garnacho’s wage demands, which exceeded their salary structure in January, though recent reports suggest a three-year deal worth €27 million, including a signing fee, is on the table.
What’s Next?
As Napoli prepare to test United’s resolve with a £45 million bid, the coming days will be crucial. Garnacho’s delayed return to pre-season training, reportedly to explore transfer options, suggests a move could be imminent. With United’s first Premier League match of the 2025-26 season approaching, Amorim is keen to finalize his squad, and a Garnacho sale could fund further signings, such as Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu, who is close to a £30 million move to Old Trafford.
For Garnacho, a move to Napoli offers a fresh start under Conte, a manager known for maximizing attacking talent, and the chance to compete for silverware in Serie A. However, his reported preference for a Premier League stay and United’s high valuation could yet keep him in England. As negotiations progress, all eyes will be on whether Napoli can close the gap and secure one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.
