The Chelsea Chronicle understands that Chelsea are considering Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe, who could replace Alejandro Garnacho this summer.
Garnacho is set to leave Stamford Bridge after just one season there and has been heavily linked with a move to Bologna’s Serie A rivals AS Roma.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is thought to be a key target for Chelsea, but with the Blues seemingly behind Arsenal in the race for the England international’s signature, they are having to consider other options.
Sorry, but there are WORSE players than Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea who aren’t being pushed out of the club
Chelsea make fresh contact with Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe
Rowe is one alternative Chelsea are looking at, with the 23-year-old expected to cost much less than Rogers.
Transfer insider Ekrem Konur has told The Chelsea Chronicle that Rowe has a valuation of €40–45m and that the Club World Cup holders have made fresh contact with his representatives over a potential deal this summer.
He said: “Jonathan Rowe, who has impressed in Serie A with Bologna, has strengthened his position among the options Chelsea are evaluating to reinforce their wing depth in recent weeks. Rowe has been one of the names proposed to Chelsea, and fresh contact has been made in recent hours between the club and the player’s representatives. These discussions focused on his potential role within the project and the financial framework of a possible deal.
“Although there is currently no formal offer, it is believed that Rowe could move back up Chelsea’s shortlist if the club fail to secure their primary left‑wing targets.
“Bologna remain intent on keeping the English winger, viewing him as an important part of both their sporting project and long‑term planning. Even so, the board is prepared to consider “a significant financial offer” together with the player. Bologna are understood to value Rowe in the €40–45 million range, and bids above that threshold could open the door to negotiations. A strong proposal from the Premier League has the potential to accelerate the process quickly.
“Jonathan Rowe’s future is shaping up to be one of the closely watched stories of the summer window. Chelsea’s desire to refresh and deepen their left‑wing options, Bologna’s determination to keep the player, and the possibility of a major bid will be the key factors determining where the English winger plays next season.”
While Garnacho is now almost certain to depart after not being spotted in training with Xabi Alonso’s squad for pre-season, Jamie Gittens is likely to stay.
The former Borussia Dortmund man did not get too many opportunities at Chelsea last season because of injuries.
He will be hoping that the 2026/27 campaign is a much more productive one and could have Rowe to compete with for the spot on the left flank.
Jonathan Rowe’s league stats in 2025/26 season
Rowe made 28 Serie A appearances last term, scoring three goals and providing two assists across those games.
Chelsea need a bit more than that after a season in which they finished 10th in the table. Bearing that in mind, some fans will view the potential signing of Rowe as quite underwhelming.
According to WhoScored, Rowe did manage to complete 1.8 dribbles per game, which was the highest average in Bologna’s squad. That is at least one positive, especially after Garnacho’s inability to take on full-backs one-v-one.
Garnacho had a measly average of 0.6, which is significantly low for a wide attacker and perhaps one reason why Chelsea are willing to sell the Argentina international and consider replacing him with Rowe.
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