Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, according to reports.
The Argentinian, 22, had a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge following his £40m move from .
The report adds that the deal is currently a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy although that can still change, with no agreement yet in place.
Italian club Roma are also keen on Garnacho, but The Athletic states that Villa believe Emery – who was also interested in signing him from United last summer – has convinced him to move to Birmingham.
The winger has reportedly been allowed to miss the start of Chelsea’ pre-season training by new manager Xabi Alonso in order to secure a move.
The Athletic reports that the deal is separate from the £117m transfer of England forward Morgan Rogers from Villa to Chelsea, with the desire to sign Garnacho on loan stemming from the fact that a permanent transfer would be viewed as a ‘player exchange transaction’ by UEFA.
Under UEFA rules, if Villa signed Garnacho permanently within 45 days of the Rogers move, the profit they make on the Three Lions star would be reduced to the net difference in the fees paid for Rogers and Garnacho.
Villa will play in the Champions League next season after winning the Europa League last term, while Chelsea will miss out on European football completely after finishing 10th in the Premier League in 2025/26.