Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports.
The Argentinian, 22, had a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge following his £40m move from Manchester United last August, starting just 22 games in all competitions and failing to make his country's World Cup 2026 squad.
But Villa look set to hand Garnacho the opportunity for a fresh start away from Chelsea, with the two clubs reportedly in advanced talks over a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
Aston Villa close in on Alejandro Garnacho signing
Garnacho joined United's academy from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 and made his first-team debut in April 2022, going on to score 26 times in 144 appearances - including an acrobatic effort against Everton that was named 2023/24 Premier League goal of the season.
But he fell out with former Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim towards the end of the following campaign and last summer joined Chelsea, where he has struggled to hold down a starting spot.
🚨 Aston Villa discussing deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea. Talks for 22yo winger loan + conditional buy obligation. Unai Emery driving #AVFC move - wanted Argentine before #CFC & now. Unrelated to Rogers transfer. W/ @J_Tanswell @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/op2dUxGdC4July 21, 2026
Garnacho made just 14 starts in the Premier League, scoring once, although he did manage a further seven goals in cup competitions.
Nevertheless, Villa boss Unai Emery remains a big fan of the eight-cap Argentina international and is pushing for the move to happen, according to The Athletic.
The report adds that the deal is currently a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy although that can still change, with no agreement yet in place.
Italian club Roma are also keen on Garnacho, but The Athletic states that Villa believe Emery - who was also interested in signing him from United last summer - has convinced him to move to Birmingham.
The winger has reportedly been allowed to miss the start of Chelsea' pre-season training by new manager Xabi Alonso in order to secure a move.
The Athletic reports that the deal is separate from the £117m transfer of England forward Morgan Rogers from Villa to Chelsea, with the desire to sign Garnacho on loan stemming from the fact that a permanent transfer would be viewed as a 'player exchange transaction' by UEFA.
Under UEFA rules, if Villa signed Garnacho permanently within 45 days of the Rogers move, the profit they make on the Three Lions star would be reduced to the net difference in the fees paid for Rogers and Garnacho.
Villa will play in the Champions League next season after winning the Europa League last term, while Chelsea will miss out on European football completely after finishing 10th in the Premier League in 2025/26.
