Roma inquires about Alejandro Garnacho as Chelsea looks to offload struggling winger

Chelsea paid roughly £40 million to pry Alejandro Garnacho away from Manchester United last August. Less than a year later, the Argentine winger is being shown the door, and AS Roma is one of several Serie A clubs raising their hands.

Roma have requested information on Garnacho through intermediaries, joining a growing queue of Italian suitors that reportedly includes Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli. Chelsea is said to be offering the 21-year-old on loan with a buy option priced between €35-40 million.

From Old Trafford promise to Stamford Bridge problem

Garnacho arrived at Chelsea with the kind of profile that makes recruitment departments salivate: young, direct, capable of moments of genuine brilliance. His valuation during 2025 negotiations hovered around £50 million before Manchester United ultimately accepted a fee closer to £40 million.

Reports indicate that Chelsea manager Ruben Amorim has told Garnacho to find a new club after a season of underwhelming performances.

Why Serie A makes sense

Roma’s interest is particularly interesting because the club has a track record of getting the best out of players arriving from difficult situations. Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli reportedly sniffing around the same deal creates a competitive dynamic that could work in Chelsea’s favor when it comes to structuring terms.

A loan with a buy option in the €35-40 million range sits slightly below what Chelsea paid in pounds, suggesting the London club has already accepted they’re unlikely to make money on this transfer.

The bigger picture for Chelsea’s transfer strategy

For Roma and the other Italian clubs involved, the risk calculus is straightforward. A loan structure limits downside exposure. If Garnacho thrives in Serie A, they have a buy option at a price that could look reasonable for a player entering his prime years.

Whether Roma or another Serie A club ultimately lands the Argentine, the fact that Chelsea is actively shopping a £40 million signing after one season speaks louder than any transfer fee.

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