Manchester United reportedly turned down the chance to sign Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia as part of a proposed swap deal for Alejandro Garnacho during the summer.
Garnacho was allowed to leave Old Trafford in the summer after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. The Argentina international joined Chelsea in a deal worth £40m and has been able to impress when given the chance at Stamford Bridge.
However, latest report from ESPN claim Chelsea initially tried to negotiate a player-plus-cash offer involving Romeo Lavia as part of the transfer. The Blues were prepared to reduce the fee if the Red Devils accepted the 21-year-old midfielder in return.
United assessed the offer but ultimately turned it down due to concerns surrounding Lavia’s prolonged battle with fitness issues.
Romeo Lavia during a Premier League match for Chelsea FC. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Lavia has endured repeated setbacks since arriving at Stamford Bridge, meaning United felt he would not provide the reliable midfield upgrade needed. Instead, they pushed through a straight-cash deal, ensuring they secured a guaranteed return on Garnacho.
While United are still on the lookout for a midfielder, Lavia has continue his struggle with injury. The former Southampton star has been limited to minimal minutes and will need to be assessed after the international break.
Lavia who has never completed a full 90-minute match for Chelsea was ruled out again after sustaining a quadriceps injury in the Champions League against Qarabag.
Meanwhile, United continue to prioritise the recruitment of a specialist holding midfielder who fits both their tactical plan and durability criteria. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba mentioned as potential signings for the summer of 2026.
