Aston Villa in talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho fr...

By Priya Nair — 22 July 2026 — 4 min read

Aston Villa has initiated discussions to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea. The proposed deal involves a potential loan, though Chelsea is seeking a permanent element to be included in any agreement for the winger. Reports indicate that Chelsea is prepared to sell Garnacho for a significant fee in the current transfer window.

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea’s new manager, stated last week during his unveiling that the club is collaborating with Garnacho and his representatives to find a suitable resolution for all parties involved. Garnacho has not yet joined pre-season training as he awaits a decision on his future.

Proposed deal structure and club interests

The discussions between Aston Villa and Chelsea are reportedly advanced. The proposed deal is for an initial season-long loan that includes a conditional obligation to buy. However, the specifics of the deal are still subject to change, and no final agreement has been reached at this stage.

Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, is known to be an admirer of Garnacho. Emery had previously shown interest in the winger last summer before Garnacho moved to Chelsea from Manchester United. This time, Emery has actively advocated for the proposed transfer.

AS Roma has also expressed interest in signing Garnacho, and the player has attracted attention from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Despite other interest, Aston Villa believes that Emery’s involvement has helped persuade Garnacho to consider joining them.

This potential deal for Garnacho would be separate from the agreement that is expected to see Morgan Rogers transfer to Stamford Bridge. The move for Rogers is anticipated to be a club-record transfer for Chelsea.

Garnacho’s recent performance and tactical considerations

Garnacho, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United last summer, had a challenging first season at the club. He struggled to secure a regular starting position during the 2025-26 season, making 22 starts across all competitions, with 14 of those in the Premier League. He scored eight goals during this period.

During his time at Chelsea, Garnacho 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 and Emiliano Buendia played in the same position for Aston Villa last season.

Garnacho’s five goal involvements meant he averaged one every 243 minutes. In comparison, Rogers had a goal involvement every 90 minutes, and Buendia every 190 minutes. If Garnacho joins Aston Villa, it could necessitate adjustments to Unai Emery’s tactical system, particularly given Garnacho’s tendency to stay wide on the touchline rather than cutting inside.

Alejandro Garnacho applauds fans after a game Credit: nytimes.com

Garnacho previously operated on the right-hand side, notably scoring a goal in the FA Cup final victory for Manchester United against Manchester City from that flank. However, his typical play involves hugging the touchline and staying wide, which would require tactical flexibility from Emery or adaptability from Garnacho.

Financial implications and UEFA regulations

The financial aspects of player transfers, especially between Aston Villa and Chelsea, are subject to scrutiny under UEFA’s financial regulations. Any permanent transfer between the two clubs within a specific timeframe could be classified as a ‘player exchange transaction’ by UEFA.

This classification would impact how Aston Villa’s profit from the sale of Morgan Rogers is calculated by UEFA. The governing body’s rule on deemed player exchanges covers a period of 45 days. The Premier League transfer window has 41 days remaining as of Tuesday.

Aston Villa is currently under a settlement agreement with UEFA, which provides little incentive to diminish the profit gained from the Rogers deal. Therefore, a loan move with a conditional obligation to buy, as proposed for Garnacho, could be a beneficial workaround for both clubs.

If a permanent transfer for Garnacho were to be finalised more than 45 days after the completion of the Rogers deal, Aston Villa would retain the full profit from the latter. Similarly, Chelsea would benefit from any profit made on Garnacho without needing adjustments to their financial reporting.

Chelsea is also under its own UEFA settlement agreement and needs to generate substantial profits from player trading in the 2026-27 financial year. The club has been active in player sales this summer, securing funds from transfers involving players like Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, and Tyrique George, in addition to compensation from Manchester City for Maresca.

While players such as Reece James, Palmer, and Joao Pedro are considered key assets, other first-team squad members are expected to depart for significant fees. Garnacho, Nicolas Jackson, and Trevoh Chalobah are among those who could bring in further funds if they are transferred.

Despite not participating in European competitions this season, Chelsea remains subject to UEFA’s stricter financial rules. The club entered a four-year settlement agreement with UEFA last summer for breaching regulations and aims to demonstrate progress in financial sustainability this transfer window.

The club has previously generated significant funds from player sales, and with the need to move on several defenders and at least one striker, this summer could see further substantial trading activity. Garnacho has made eight senior appearances for Argentina.