Aston Villa have positioned themselves as the leading contenders to sign Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine winger reportedly ready to cut short his difficult spell at Chelsea. After enduring a frustrating period at Stamford Bridge, the former Manchester United prospect has now become the focus of a serious approach from the West Midlands club.

Villa move for Argentine winger

Aston Villa are understood to be in advanced discussions to secure Garnacho’s signature, providing the 21-year-old with a much-needed escape from his struggles in London. The Birmingham-based outfit are pushing to finalise an agreement that would initially bring the winger to Villa Park on loan, with a possible obligation to buy included in the deal. According to BBC reports, Villa have already submitted an official bid to Chelsea for Garnacho.

Chelsea, who placed the player on the transfer list last month, are believed to value him at around £43 million ($58m), just a year after his £40 million ($54m) move from Manchester United. Despite their initial outlay, the Blues are now open to a structured exit that would smooth his departure from Stamford Bridge.

This development comes amid Chelsea’s record-breaking £117 million ($157m) move to sign Morgan Rogers from Villa, highlighting the intricate transfer activity currently linking the two Premier League clubs.

Stamford Bridge struggles continue

Since his £40 million transfer from Manchester United last September, Garnacho’s time in west London has not gone as planned. During his single season at Stamford Bridge, the winger recorded eight goals and four assists in 43 matches across all competitions. However, his Premier League performances were notably less impactful.

His situation at Chelsea has been made more challenging by an overcrowded squad and the arrival of fresh attacking options. With new signings such as Rogers and Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, the club’s management have recognised the need to trim the playing roster.

Fallout from Manchester United exit

Garnacho’s move to Chelsea followed a dramatic fallout with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach was direct about the winger’s future, publicly criticising him in front of teammates. During a heated exchange at the club’s training ground, Amorim reportedly told Garnacho to “pray” that he could find another club—effectively signalling the end of his time at Old Trafford.

The rift stemmed from Garnacho’s reaction to limited playing time during United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Frustrated at being left on the bench, the winger voiced his anger and later described the season as “sh*t” on social media. The episode left his position untenable, prompting Manchester United to approve his sale.

Emery looks to the future

If the move is completed, Garnacho would become Aston Villa’s fourth major signing of a busy summer transfer window under Unai Emery. He would join new arrivals Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes, and Modou Kaba Cisse as part of Villa’s reinvestment strategy following significant player sales.

For Garnacho, the interest from the Midlands represents a vital chance to restore his reputation and restart his career away from the pressures of Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild.