Aston Villa have reportedly tabled a bid for Chelsea forward Alejandro Garnacho, with talks advancing as Morgan Rogers looks set to leave for the Londoners in a record £117 million deal.
Loan-to-buy approach for Garnacho
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Europa League holders have made a loan-to-buy approach for the former Manchester United winger. After just 12 months at Stamford Bridge, Garnacho's time appears to be over under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who has deemed him surplus to requirements.
The 22-year-old Argentine made a highly publicised move to Chelsea after falling out of favour with then Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. Now, talks are ongoing for him to join Unai Emery's side, with the serial Europa League-winning coach identifying Garnacho as a key target.
Rogers' record exit funds reinvestment
Morgan Rogers is set to join Chelsea for a record £117 million fee, earning Villa a sizeable profit following his move from Middlesbrough in February 2024. The cash has already been reinvested into the squad ahead of the Champions League campaign, with Johan Manzambi joining Joao Gomes at Villa Park.
The England international's impending exit leaves a hole in Villa's attacking and creative department, necessitating reinforcements in forward areas. However, The Athletic's David Ornstein has claimed that the pursuit of Garnacho is unrelated to Rogers' London switch, with Manzambi's record-breaking move viewed as a direct replacement for Rogers.
Advanced talks and conditional buy obligation
It has been reported that the parties are in advanced talks over a season-long loan with a conditional buy obligation, although the current conditions of the deal are described as 'movable'. Garnacho's future lies away from Stamford Bridge, with Alonso casting his eye on other options, resulting in the 22-year-old not reporting back for pre-season.
Interest has been sparked for the winger from Premier League, European, and Saudi Arabian clubs, as Chelsea look to secure around £42 million from his exit. Emery is said to have had a long-standing interest in the Argentine, after trying to sign him last summer. AS Roma pose competition, but The Athletic's report states there are hopes that Emery can convince him.
Garnacho's struggles at Chelsea
Garnacho struggled to adjust to life in the capital, failing to land a regular starting berth in a topsy-turvy season for Chelsea. The Londoners saw Enzo Maresca leave abruptly before his replacement, Liam Rosenior, endured a short spell in permanent charge before being dismissed following a poor run. The 22-year-old managed just 22 starts in all competitions, 14 coming in the Premier League where he registered eight goals.
