Alejandro Garnacho’s hopes of securing a move to AS Roma have suffered a fresh setback after the Italian club intensified discussions with alternative transfer targets while negotiations with Chelsea remain at a standstill.
The Argentina international is widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after an underwhelming debut campaign following his £40 million move from Manchester United. New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has already hinted that Garnacho’s future lies elsewhere, saying he hopes the situation is resolved “in the best possible way for all parties.”
Roma have been one of the strongest contenders for the 22-year-old’s signature, with Garnacho understood to be open to a move to Serie A. However, the biggest obstacle remains the structure of any deal.
Chelsea are insisting on a permanent transfer, while Roma have repeatedly pushed for a loan with an option or conditional obligation to buy. The two clubs have yet to find common ground despite multiple rounds of talks.
With negotiations proving difficult, Roma have begun exploring alternative options.
According to reports in Italy, club officials have met representatives of Crysencio Summerville to discuss a possible move from West Ham United. The Giallorossi also continue to monitor Diego Moreira of Strasbourg as they assess different attacking reinforcements for head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Those developments represent a blow to Garnacho’s chances of completing a switch to the Italian capital.
Roma are also believed to face financial challenges in pursuing Summerville, whose valuation is reported to be around £50 million, while Strasbourg are demanding a substantial fee for Moreira. Even so, the club’s willingness to activate alternative plans underlines the uncertainty surrounding Garnacho’s proposed transfer.
Chelsea remain firm on their valuation.
Reports indicate the Blues want around €50 million (£42.6m) from clubs outside the Premier League and approximately £45 million from English sides. The club have shown no interest in sanctioning a temporary move, believing a permanent sale is the best solution for both their finances and squad planning.
Garnacho has not reported for Chelsea’s pre-season preparations as he looks to resolve his future, while interest from Saudi Arabia and other European clubs remains in the background. Chelsea are confident another buyer could emerge if Roma fail to meet their demands.
For now, the Argentine’s preferred move to Italy remains alive, but Roma’s pursuit of alternative wingers has increased the pressure on all parties to find a compromise before the transfer window closes.
