Aston Villa have completed the season-long loan signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea. The deal includes a conditional obligation to buy the Argentina winger next summer.
Garnacho becomes Villa’s third signing of the window, following the arrivals of Johan Manzambi and João Gomes. His move comes shortly after Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a British-record £117million fee.
The Guardian reports that Villa are expected to pay a fee close to the £40million Chelsea spent on Garnacho last summer. The 22-year-old made 43 appearances during his only season at Stamford Bridge, scoring eight goals.
Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa confirmed
Garnacho was allowed to leave after Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso could not guarantee him regular football. He remained away from pre-season training while the two clubs finalised the agreement.
Unai Emery has welcomed the arrival of a player he believes can contribute immediately.
“We are delighted with Alejandro,” Emery said. “He is so talented, young and he showed us his wish to help our project. We are really happy.”
ReadAstonVilla previously reported that Villa had agreed a loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The structure gives the club greater flexibility after UEFA imposed financial and squad-registration restrictions earlier this summer.
Garnacho can play from either side of the attack, although he has produced much of his best football from the left. His pace and willingness to run at defenders give Emery a different option following Rogers’ departure.
The move also continues the recent transfer business between Villa and Chelsea. Ian Maatsen, Carney Chukwuemeka, Omari Kellyman and Axel Disasi have all moved between the clubs in recent seasons.
The Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa deal gives the winger an opportunity to secure regular Premier League football. Villa, meanwhile, have added a young attacker with experience at Manchester United, Chelsea and international level.
