Chelsea Women are in advanced negotiations to sign Manchester United forward Melvine Malard for a club-record fee of £850,000 plus add-ons. The 26-year-old France international is set to join the Blues after personal terms were agreed, with the deal expected to be finalized shortly. Chelsea currently sit third in the FA WSL with 49 points from 22 games, six points behind leaders Manchester City W, and are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

Who is Melvine Malard?

Melvine Malard is a 26-year-old forward who has spent the last three seasons with Manchester United. She joined the club initially on loan in 2023 before making the move permanent. Malard has been a key player for United, scoring 23 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions. Last season, she contributed 10 goals and 10 assists in 40 appearances, including four goals and five assists in the Champions League. She also played a crucial role in France’s Euro 2025 campaign, helping the team reach the knockout stages.

Why is this a significant move for Chelsea Women?

The signing of Malard would represent a major coup for Chelsea Women, who have been looking to bolster their forward line following the departures of Sam Kerr and Cat Macario. The Blues have already added midfielder Manaka Matsukubo and defender Katie McCabe this summer, and Malard would be their third signing. Her experience in the WSL and Champions League, as well as her familiarity with Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor from their time together at Lyon, makes her an ideal fit for the squad.

What does this mean for Manchester United?

For Manchester United, the sale of Malard would represent a club-record fee for a player with a year left on their contract. The 26-year-old was entering the final year of her deal, and it had become clear that an agreement over renewed terms would not be reached. United were keen to avoid losing a high-value player on a free transfer, as they have done in previous windows with players like Alessia Russo and Mary Earps. The fee received for Malard will be invested in bolstering United’s squad, with the club expected to make several signings before the transfer window closes.