Aston Villa in discussions for Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea

By Ananya Iyer — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

Aston Villa are engaged in discussions to acquire Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea. The proposed deal involves a potential loan, with Chelsea seeking a permanent element attached to any agreement for the winger.

Chelsea has indicated a willingness to sell Garnacho for £42.7m during the current transfer window. Reports suggest that Chelsea had made the Argentina winger, aged 21, available for sale last month for £43m, but are open to a move that could lead to his permanent departure under specific conditions, even if it begins as a loan.

This development follows a significant transfer between the two clubs, where Morgan Rogers moved from Villa to Chelsea for a record £117m fee. Garnacho has not participated in pre-season training as he seeks a resolution regarding his future.

Garnacho’s Impact and Future Prospects

Garnacho joined Chelsea last September in a £40m deal from Manchester United, who are entitled to 10 per cent of any subsequent transfer fee. His time at Stamford Bridge has seen limited impact, with only one Premier League goal recorded.

The arrival of Rogers and Sporting winger Geovany Quenda has increased the need for Chelsea to reduce their squad size. Roma has also expressed interest in signing Garnacho, and the former Manchester United player has attracted attention from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

During his first season with Chelsea, Garnacho struggled to make a substantial impact on the left side of the field, which was already crowded. He played 1217 Premier League minutes across 25 appearances last term, averaging less than 49 minutes per game.

This is fewer minutes than both Morgan Rogers (1528) and Emiliano Buendia (1527) accumulated in the same position for Villa last season. Garnacho’s five goal involvements meant he averaged one every 243 minutes, compared to Rogers’ average of a goal involvement every 90 minutes and Buendia’s every 190 minutes.

If Garnacho were to join Villa, it would likely necessitate adjustments to Unai Emery’s system when the Argentine is on the pitch. While players like Buendia and Rogers offer versatility across both flanks and can move centrally, Garnacho typically operates wide on the touchline.

He has previously played on the right-hand side, scoring a goal in the FA Cup final victory for Manchester United against Manchester City from that flank. However, his tendency to cut inside is less pronounced.

Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy

Chelsea has been active in player sales this summer, generating approximately £130m from the departures of players such as Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, and Tyrique George. This has helped cover the £117m cost of acquiring Morgan Rogers.

The club also received compensation from Manchester City. While players like Reece James, Palmer, and Joao Pedro are considered untouchable assets, other members of the first-team squad are expected to leave for significant fees.

Garnacho, Nicolas Jackson, and Trevoh Chalobah are among those who could collectively bring in an additional £100m. Malo Gusto also faces an uncertain future, with Chelsea valuing him at £75m. Defenders Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are also anticipated to depart.

Despite not competing in Europe this season, Chelsea remains subject to UEFA’s financial regulations. Last summer, the club entered a four-year settlement agreement with UEFA for breaching regulations and aims to demonstrate progress in financial sustainability this window. Chelsea generated around £300m from player sales last summer.

If the deal is finalised, Garnacho would become Villa’s fourth signing this summer, following the arrivals of Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Modou Keba Cisse. Player sales from Villa have amounted to nearly £200m, with Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lewis Dobbin all having left the club.

Source: bbc.com