Aston Villa table formal offer for Chelsea outcast Garnacho – Romano

Aston Villa have submitted an official bid for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, according to transfer insider insider. The Argentine, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United last summer for €46.2 million, has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and is viewed as surplus to requirements. Villa are working on an initial loan deal that includes a permanent clause. The Birmingham club are aggressive in the market as they prepare for a return to the Champions League under Unai Emery and sporting director Roberto Olabe. They have already spent €100 million on Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes this summer, offset by the €138 million they banked from selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. Garnacho’s name came up during those talks for Rogers, and Villa now see the 22-year-old as a key reinforcement. The winger was once one of United’s brightest prospects but has endured a steep decline – similar to Jadon Sancho, another player who passed through both Manchester United and Chelsea. Villa have also discussed a deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, particularly given the interest in Ollie Watkins from Fenerbahce. Jackson is said to want to fight for his place, but Chelsea have an overcrowded attack. Meanwhile, Villa are already set to lose Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, and Amadou Onana is out for most of the season after an ACL injury suffered at the World Cup. Chelsea have not yet accepted Villa’s initial bid, but negotiations are advancing. Personal terms are also being discussed with Garnacho’s camp. AS Roma had also shown interest, but they have reportedly turned their attention to West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville after making three bids. It appears Garnacho will remain in the Premier League – but certainly not at Chelsea next season.