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Chelsea 'specifically' interested in Garnacho replacement with €38m bid ready

Updated: 9 May 2026 20:19 BST | 4 min read

Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea, 2025/26

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe amid question marks over Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.

The Blues have a left-winger problem despite signing two new players for the position last summer. On Saturday, Marc Cucurella had to deputise further forward because neither Garnacho nor Gittens was available.

Both have been incredibly disappointing signings. Gittens has been struggling with injuries for months, but he looked out of his depth even when fit. Garnacho, who is now also injured, has been equally underwhelming.

Given how Chelsea operate, there have been constant rumours that they could look to rid themselves of Garnacho again after just one season. Liam Rosenior played down speculation that the Argentine could be sold in April - but then he was sacked.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Chelsea right now, so it would be foolish to make predictions over whether or not the 21-year-old will be at Stamford Bridge next season. Recent history has shown, though, that we shouldn't be surprised if he were to be sold.

Chelsea "prepare bid" for Rowe

One potential replacement for Garnacho could be Bologna star Jonathan Rowe, who has been struggling with injury himself recently. Before being sidelined, however, he starred in the Europa League against Aston Villa.

This performance really put the former Norwich and Marseille talent on the map. Reports have since proliferated that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on his development.

Jonathan Rowe

In fact, some outlets have even claimed that the Blues' interest in the 22-year-old is so advanced that they could soon make a €38 million offer for him. Responding to this speculation, Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) has now provided an update on his situation.

The report acknowledges that there is a lot of interest in Rowe, "specifically" from Chelsea. However, the West London giants are not thought to be leading the race to sign him, especially given their potential lack of Champions League football next season.

Instead, Galatasaray are pushing hard for the Englishman after deciding not to make Noa Lang's loan from Napoli permanent. A new winger will have to be signed this summer, and Rowe is one of the favoured options.

Bologna, for their part, are reluctant to part with Rowe after just one year, but "the danger exists" that it will become impossible to turn down lucrative bids for the 22-year-old.