Aston Villa open talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho amid Chelsea exit talks

Aston Villa have opened talks to sign **Alejandro Garnacho** as part of a double raid on Chelsea alongside Nicolas Jackson, according to reports on 18 July 2026.

The move comes as Villa prepare to fund the arrivals by selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million. Xabi Alonso has confirmed Garnacho is attracting interest after a single season at Stamford Bridge, where the winger managed just 1,268 minutes across 24 Premier League games.

What happened with Aston Villa’s transfer plans?

Villa have signed João Gomes for £38 million and now plan to use the Rogers funds to bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options. The club are targeting both Garnacho and Jackson as they push for depth across four competitions this season.

Garnacho’s 2025-26 campaign at Chelsea saw him score once and provide four assists in limited minutes. Reports suggest Villa see him as a direct replacement for Rogers, whose exit to Chelsea frees up wages and transfer budget.

Why Garnacho fits Aston Villa’s summer rebuild

Unai Emery has a history with Jackson from their Villarreal days, but the report also highlights Garnacho as a priority. The teenager’s pace and creativity align with Emery’s preferred style, even if his Chelsea minutes were restricted.

Villa are not stopping at Garnacho. They are also pushing for Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup with two goals and two assists in four matches before his side lost on penalties to Morocco.

What comes next for Garnacho?

The next step is negotiations. Chelsea have agreed a £117 million deal for Rogers, who will complete his medical on 21 July 2026 before joining Stamford Bridge. Garnacho’s future hinges on Villa’s ability to meet Chelsea’s valuation and his own willingness to leave London.

Villa’s summer window remains open, but time is tight. The club must finalise deals before the August transfer deadline to reshape Emery’s squad ahead of the new campaign.