Garnacho seals Villa loan-to-buy as Chelsea target Lacroix and Real Madrid shut the door on Tchouaméni exit

The summer window continues to deliver drama, and according to transfer specialist insider, a string of major moves are either locked in or progressing behind the scenes. Alejandro Garnacho has officially left Chelsea to join Aston Villa. Romano confirmed the deal is a loan with an obligation to buy. Villa will cover the winger’s salary, and the purchase clause is considered so straightforward that Chelsea sources believe it is almost certain to be triggered in 2027. Garnacho will sign a four-year contract once the permanent move kicks in. The deciding factor? Unai Emery. Garnacho had been leaning toward a move to Italy or Spain and even held talks with Roma, but Emery’s direct pitch over the past few days flipped the script. The Villa boss convinced Garnacho that he could reach another level under his management. The clubs also keep talking about Nicolas Jackson, a player Villa admire, though Chelsea’s willingness to let him go remains uncertain. With Garnacho gone, Chelsea are turning their attention back to the defensive line. Romano says the Blues’ next signing is likely to be Maxence Lacroix. They are still negotiating with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarria, but Lacroix is the center-half Chelsea really want. A personal agreement is nearly finalized, and talks with Crystal Palace are moving forward after meetings in the United States. Chelsea want to wrap up the Lacroix deal swiftly. One of the topics that came up between the clubs was Axel Disasi, who impressed on loan at West Ham. Palace asked about his situation, but so far this is only a verbal discussion. There is no guarantee Disasi will be included in any swap, and the player himself is already weighing multiple options, with no formal talks yet on his end. Chelsea also made an approach for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott to test the waters, but the Cherries have no intention of selling right now. The Blues remain active in midfield. After wrapping up the Morgan Rogers transfer, don’t rule out another major signing in that area, while they continue assessing center-back options, with Lacroix at the top of the list. Over in Madrid, Manchester United’s midfield ambitions have hit a wall. Romano reports that United have long admired Aurélien Tchouaméni, viewing him as the ideal Casemiro replacement due to his leadership and top-level experience. However, Tchouaméni has already signed a new contract with Real Madrid and is considered a key piece by manager Jose Mourinho, who pushed hard to keep him. The expectation is that Tchouaméni stays. United also made contact with Eduardo Camavinga’s representatives and with Manu Kone, but Camavinga’s stance hasn’t budged. He wants to remain at Real Madrid, work under Mourinho, and compete for his place. If that changes before the window closes, Premier League clubs would circle, but right now Camavinga has no intention of leaving. Finally, Rodri continues to wait for Real Madrid to give the green light. The midfielder is eager for a move, but the club has yet to make a definitive decision on his future.