Aston Villa in advanced talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea

Aston Villa are in advanced negotiations with Chelsea over a deal for winger Alejandro Garnacho.

According to The Athletic, discussions are centred on an initial season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy, although the structure of the agreement is still being finalised.

No deal has yet been completed, but talks between the two clubs are progressing.

Manager Unai Emery is driving Villa’s interest after identifying Garnacho as one of his priority attacking targets.

Emery was also keen on signing the Argentina international last summer before he ultimately left Manchester United for Chelsea.

That long-standing admiration is thought to have played a key role in convincing Garnacho that Villa Park could be the right destination.

Roma have also explored a move for the 22-year-old, but Villa are currently regarded as the front-runners to secure his services.

The proposed transfer is separate from Chelsea’s club-record £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Villa, with the two deals not financially linked.

Villa have already moved quickly to reshape their squad following Rogers’ departure.

The Midlands club recently completed the signing of Johan Manzambi from Freiburg and are now focused on adding further quality in the wide areas.

Garnacho has emerged as one of several options considered by Villa, alongside Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye and West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville.

Chelsea are open to Garnacho leaving after an inconsistent first season following his £40 million move from United last summer.

He scored eight goals in all competitions but started only 14 Premier League matches as competition for attacking places limited his opportunities.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has allowed Garnacho additional time away from pre-season training to resolve his future before the campaign begins.

The winger previously established himself as one of United’s brightest academy graduates after making more than 140 senior appearances for the club.

However, his relationship with United deteriorated before his departure, leading to last summer’s move across the Premier League.

Villa now appear well placed to offer Garnacho the regular football he is seeking.