Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea exit has been agreed after Aston Villa reached a deal with the Blues. Garnacho will initially join Villa on loan, with a conditional obligation to make the move permanent.
The Athletic reports that the winger has completed his medical. A four-year contract is also in place if the purchase condition is triggered.
Garnacho is now in Birmingham ahead of the move. Unai Emery drove Villa’s pursuit after also trying to sign him from Manchester United last summer.
The Athletic had previously reported that talks centred on a loan with a conditional obligation. The clubs have now finalised that structure after negotiations progressed quickly.
Xabi Alonso allowed Garnacho to stay away from Chelsea’s pre-season training. The new head coach wanted the 22-year-old to focus on resolving his future.
Alejandro Garnacho Chelsea exit ends difficult spell
Chelsea signed Garnacho from Manchester United for £40million last summer. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting place during his only season at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international started 22 matches across all competitions. He scored eight goals but missed out on Argentina’s final World Cup squad.
ReadChelsea reported Villa’s official bid for Garnacho on Tuesday. Chelsea had previously preferred a permanent sale and valued the attacker at around £43million.
The conditional obligation now gives Chelsea a possible route towards a future fee. However, the exact conditions and final purchase price have not been disclosed.
The deal is separate from Chelsea’s £117million signing of Morgan Rogers. UEFA could have treated two immediate permanent transfers as a player-exchange transaction.
A conditional loan may allow both clubs to record the deals separately. UEFA could still examine the arrangement if the permanent condition appears almost certain.
Chelsea have now created more space in Alonso’s attacking squad. The Alejandro Garnacho Chelsea exit also ends a disappointing spell only one year after his arrival.
