(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Sun 10 May 2026 17:00, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Villa may yet have chance to snatch a deal for Bologna striker Jonathan Rowe from under Chelsea’s noses this summer.

The Blues have shown a strong interest in the 23-year-old Englishman in recent months, and they are now ready to take that to the next level ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The West Londoners are understood to be preparing an offer in the region of £32million for the forward, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, as they are keen to add to their attacking options this summer.

Villa are long-term admirers of Rowe, and links between them and a potential deal emerged once again after he scored a stunner against them in the Europa League at the start of April.

Unai Emery’s side are set to secure Champions League football for next term, and that will provide a major boost for their summer transfer plans.

Champions League to give Aston Villa crucial edge in Jonathan Rowe race

Bologna are adamant that they do not want to lose Rowe this summer, but it is expected that their lack of European football for next term could come into play.

The former Norwich City man will be keen to test himself at the highest possible level, and that could play perfectly into Villa’s hands if they are still keen to make a move for him.

Galatasaray are also showing a strong interest alongside Chelsea, as per Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), but Villa could yet beat both of them to a deal with Champions League qualification.

The lure of the Premier League is strong, but continental football can provide an even bigger bonus for ambitious stars who want to play among the elite.

Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool has left their hopes of securing Champions League football looking seriously unlikely, which may hand Villa an edge if they choose to make a move.

The Villans have kept a close eye on the starlet’s progress for a long time now, but it remains to be seen whether they want to add to their striker department this summer.

Stan Collymore has already given approval for Jonathan Rowe deal

Stan Colllymore called for Villa to sign Rowe after his display against his former club in the Europa League, when he caught the eye throughout the 90 minutes.

The former striker was wowed by the physicality and energy that the youngster showed during that clash, as he continually caused Emery’s men problems from his starting position on the left wing.

Collymore tagged Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagny in a post on X, and told him to “get the cheque book out” to sign Rowe this summer.

The 55-year-old is clearly a huge fan of the quality that Rowe has provided for Bologna, and he has already effectively given his seal of approval if any move were to take place.