‘DESPERATE’ Man Utd fighting off Chelsea bid as star demands ENORMOUS pay rise

Robin Bairner

5 Mar 2025 09:00 CST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, Ruben Amorim, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United are doing everything they possible can to prevent one of their top prospects from leaving for Chelsea.

With United set to be forced into summer sales in order to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad and comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Chelsea have been monitoring the situation of Alejandro Garnacho but also Kobbie Mainoo.

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Current ETV

Kobbie Mainoo

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€59.8M - €73.1M

The Blues were linked with a January transfer for Mainoo, and according to The Mirror, they are pushing to sign the 19-year-old in the summer.

Man Utd are doing everything in their power to tie the youngster down on a long-term basis, with the report describing the Old Trafford club’s “desperate’ attempts to convince the young prospect to stay.

According to reports, Mainoo is seeking a deal worth €215,000 per week (£180,000) – a massive increase on his current wage of €24,000 (£20,000).

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea reignites

Chelsea are seeking to take advantage of the situation and could launch a bid worth around €84 million for the England star.

This stands a little above Mainoo’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €70.9m but is not a particularly outlandish figure given that the Stockport-born player is one of the biggest talents in the Premier League and also boasts homegrown status.

United could be tempted to make a sale given that Mainoo’s transfer fee would be considered pure profit and will therefore count positively towards the club complying with PSR. Failure to do so could result in a hefty points deduction, which is a handicap that head coach Ruben Amorim could well do without next season.

Chelsea are known to want another central midfielder to compete with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, and the profile of Mainoo fits perfectly into their transfer strategy, making this a deal they are doubtless interested in.

Man Utd, though, will clearly do everything in their power to ensure it is one they are not forced into.