Alejandro Garnacho named Roma’s premium alternative as Endrick pursuit stalls

Roma name Alejandro Garnacho as top target after Endrick and Summerville plans hit snags

Alejandro Garnacho is now Roma’s fallback option as the Serie A side’s pursuit of Endrick and Crysencio Summerville runs into trouble. The club confirmed they want a reliable backup for Donyell Malen and have already approached Chelsea with a proposal for the Argentine winger.

On 15 July 2026, Il Messaggero reported Roma’s interest in Endrick had cooled after talks with Real Madrid stalled. The Giallorossi had also made progress over Summerville but wage demands and salary-cap rules threatened to derail that deal. With both avenues blocked, Roma moved fast to identify Garnacho as their premium alternative.

Why Alejandro Garnacho fits Roma’s profile

Roma need a winger who can provide depth behind Malen and add creativity in wide areas. Garnacho fits the bill after his move to Chelsea in August 2025 for €46.2m. Since then he has made 43 appearances for the Blues, scoring eight goals. His contract runs until June 2032, giving Roma a clear path to a permanent deal if they meet Chelsea’s valuation.

The club’s initial offer featured a €5m loan fee with an obligation to buy for €35m if certain conditions were met. Chelsea rejected that opening bid, leaving Roma to reassess their options. The Serie A side have since explored other targets, including Strasbourg’s Diego Moreira for €30m plus a 10% sell-on clause.

How Garnacho compares to Endrick and Summerville

Endrick returned to Real Madrid from Lyon in July 2024 and has seven goals in 40 matches. His move to Roma never materialised after Madrid’s management refused to release him. Summerville, meanwhile, joined West Ham for €29.3m in August 2024 and has eight goals in 56 appearances. Roma’s wage demands and salary cap of €4m per season complicated talks.

Garnacho brings Premier League experience and a direct style that suits Gasperini’s system. His eight goals for Chelsea in 43 games show he can deliver in front of goal, while his work rate and pressing fit Roma’s pressing triggers. The club see him as a ready-made solution if their other targets fall through.

What happens next for Alejandro Garnacho and Roma

Roma will now push harder for Garnacho after Chelsea’s rejection of their first bid. The Blues are unlikely to lower their valuation, forcing Roma to decide whether to improve their offer or pivot to another winger. The club’s salary cap and strict budget mean they must tread carefully.

Garnacho’s future remains tied to Chelsea’s plans. If the Blues look to sell, Roma could return with a revised bid. Otherwise, the Argentine may stay put and fight for minutes under Pochettino. Either way, his name is now central to Roma’s summer strategy.