Aston Villa in talks to sign Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho

By Priya Nair — 21 July 2026 — 4 min read

Aston Villa has initiated discussions to sign Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho. The proposed deal involves a potential loan, though Chelsea is seeking a permanent element to be included in any agreement for the player.

Reports indicate that Chelsea is prepared to sell Garnacho for £42.7m during the current transfer window. The club had previously made him available for sale last month for £43m, but remains open to a deal that could lead to a permanent departure under specific conditions, even if it begins as a loan arrangement.

Transfer Dynamics and Player Movement

This development follows a significant transfer between the two clubs, with Chelsea recently signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a record fee of £117m. If the transfer of Garnacho is finalised, he would become Villa’s fourth signing in what has been a busy summer for the Midlands club, which has seen both incoming and outgoing player movements. Previous arrivals at Villa include Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Modou Keba Cisse.

Chelsea has shown an interest in offloading Garnacho despite acquiring him only last September in a £40m deal from Manchester United. Manchester United would be entitled to 10 per cent of any eventual transfer fee for the player. Garnacho’s impact at Stamford Bridge has been limited, with one Premier League goal to his name. The recent acquisitions of Rogers and Sporting winger Geovany Quenda have further increased the need for Chelsea to reduce the size of their squad.

Garnacho has not yet returned for pre-season training as he seeks a resolution regarding his future. Roma has also expressed interest in signing the Argentine winger, and he reportedly has admirers in the Saudi Pro League.

Garnacho’s Performance and Tactical Considerations

During his first season with Chelsea, Garnacho reportedly struggled to make a significant impact, particularly on the left-hand side, which was already crowded. He played 1217 Premier League minutes across 25 appearances last season, averaging less than 49 minutes per game. This is fewer minutes than both Morgan Rogers (1528 minutes) and Emiliano Buendia (1527 minutes) accumulated in the same position for Aston Villa during the previous season.

The average goal involvement rates for Rogers and Buendia were also higher. Garnacho had five goal involvements, averaging one every 243 minutes. In contrast, Rogers averaged a goal involvement every 90 minutes, and Buendia averaged one every 190 minutes. If Villa brings in Garnacho, it could necessitate a tactical adjustment to Unai Emery’s system when the player is on the pitch.

While Buendia and Rogers offer versatility, capable of playing on either flank and moving inside, Garnacho’s playing style is distinct. He has previously operated on the right-hand side, scoring a goal from that flank in an FA Cup final victory for Manchester United. However, his tendency to cut inside is less pronounced; he typically prefers to hug the touchline and stay wide. This characteristic would require Emery to be flexible with his attacking patterns or for Garnacho to adapt his style of play.

Financial Strategy and Future Outlook

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, along with compensation from Manchester City, has helped cover the £117m cost of signing Morgan Rogers. Aston Villa has also seen significant player sales, with outgoings totalling nearly £200m, including Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea, and Lewis Dobbin.

Despite not participating in European competitions this season, Chelsea remains subject to UEFA’s stricter financial regulations. Last summer, the club entered a four-year settlement agreement with UEFA for breaching regulations, and they aim to demonstrate progress in financial sustainability this transfer window. Chelsea generated around £300m from player sales last summer, and with a need to move on several surplus defenders and at least one striker, this summer could also see substantial trading activity.

Players like Reece James, Palmer, and Joao Pedro are considered untouchable assets, but other first-team squad members are expected to depart for significant fees. Garnacho, Nicolas Jackson, and Trevoh Chalobah are anticipated to bring in an additional £100m if they are sold. Malo Gusto also faces an uncertain future, with Chelsea reportedly valuing him at £75m. Defenders Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are also expected to leave the club.

Xabi Alonso, at his recent unveiling, acknowledged that Chelsea is working with Garnacho and his representatives to find a solution that suits all parties involved.

Source: bbc.com