Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly attracted interest from La Liga clubs after a disappointing start at Aston Villa
Alejandro Garnacho has struggled for regular game time since his move to Aston Villa.
Alejandro Garnacho has struggled for regular game time since his move to Aston Villa.(Image: (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images))
Aston Villa's Alejandro Garnacho is said to be attracting interest from Spanish sides following a challenging beginning to his spell at Villa Park. The ex-Manchester United player linked up with Unai Emery's side on a season-long loan from Chelsea during the summer with the move becoming a permanent one if certain criteria are met.
However, the 22-year-old has played just 31 minutes this campaign, and hasn't made it off the substitutes' bench in Villa's last three games.
His move to Villa Park is set to become permanent for approximately £43million if specific criteria are fulfilled, though that seems unlikely as things stand.
According to Mail Online, La Liga clubs are keeping tabs on Garnacho's circumstances. The attacker was actually born in Madrid and spent time in Atletico Madrid's youth system prior to his transfer to Manchester United.
When questioned recently about what Garnacho must do to secure an opportunity with the side, Villa manager Unai Emery responded: "Continue working. Work, work, train, work.
"When he can have minutes to play, try to play well. He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now. George Hemmings is playing fantastic. Alysson is also understanding things well and is giving us things I want. [Ibrahim] Mbaye also responded well.
"We want a competitive team and players to compete in the style we have. Garnacho is a little bit behind because of some circumstances we had in pre-season. It is time to be patient for the time he needs."
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho's most recent minutes for Aston Villa came on September 5(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
Having been omitted from the latest Argentina squad, he will now link up with Villa on a mid-season training camp in Spain, where he'll undoubtedly be eager to impress Emery.
Garnacho's career has experienced a significant decline in recent seasons. Following 26 goals in 144 outings for Manchester United, he departed the club in a £40m transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea last summer.
He managed eight goals in 43 appearances for Chelsea during his first season, though only one came in the Premier League. New manager Xabi Alonso indicated he had limited prospects at Stamford Bridge before his switch to Villa.
Garnacho has just under six years left on his existing contract at Stamford Bridge.
Villa face a wait of just under three weeks for their next Premier League fixture, which is scheduled against Brentford on October 10. They'll then face Fenerbahce in their opening Champions League home match of the season.