Aston Villa sign Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea on initial season-long loan

Aston Villa have signed Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho on an initial season-long loan deal, reportedly with a conditional obligation to buy.

Unai Emery told the club's official website: "We are delighted with Alejandro. He is so talented, young and he showed us his wish to help our project. We are really happy."

According to reports, the Argentinian is set to pen a four-year contract at Villa Park if the deal is made permanent.

Garnacho played for three years at Manchester United. He memorably scored their opening goal when they beat neighbours Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final.

The winger is Villa's fourth summer signing, following Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Modou Keba Cisse.

But star names have left too - Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea and Lewis Dobbin all departing.

Villa had another stellar season in the 2025/26 campaign, finishing fourth in the Premier League - to qualify for the UEFA Champions League - and winning the UEFA Europa League.

It was Villa's first trophy in 30 years, a just reward for Emery, who has done an outstanding job at the club.

Villa will begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at Brighton & Hove Albion on August 23.

Their first league game in front of the TNT cameras will be at Tottenham Hotspur on September 19.