Sources: Alejandro Garnacho could make Chelsea return
Alejandro Garnacho could agree to leave Aston Villa if he remains on the fringes of the starting XI, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old joined on loan from Chelsea in the summer, with a £43million obligation to buy included if he meets certain milestones during his short-term spell.
However, there are growing concerns about whether he will trigger that obligation, having played just 31 minutes of football under Unai Emery since his arrival from Chelsea.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Garnacho could explore a move away from Aston Villa if his situation does not improve.
However, a return to Chelsea is also off the cards, not just because his loan move does not include a break clause, but also because the Blues have no plans for him to come back.
A number of clubs across Europe have been linked with moves for Garnacho as a result of his lack of game time, but much will depend on the player and Aston Villa.
What is next for Alejandro Garnacho at Aston Villa?
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 17 September that Chelsea were "delighted" with their agreement to send Garnacho to Villa Park.
The Blues had been, and still remain, confident that the conditions will be met for the permanent transfer and they will make a profit on the winger after one year at the club.
However, as he remains on the fringes of Emery's starting XI and with doubts creeping in over his future, they may now be set to miss out on the windfall.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's up to the player at the moment. He needs to impressing Emery in training to try and win his support.
"But look, if things don't improve by January, maybe Villa will think they're not going to go ahead and make that move permanent, they won't pay the fee that has been agreed and he can leave.
"He doesn't look like he has a future at Chelsea either because they've allowed him to go out on loan, so a return there is unlikely.
"I wouldn't write him off just yet and I don't think Villa are writing him off they'll be hoping that he can have an impact, but something will have to change if that is to happen."
What does Unai Emery have planned for Garnacho?
Despite growing speculation about Garnacho's future at Aston Villa and whether they could call an early end to his loan spell, he still looks likely to play a role under Emery.
So far this season, he has played just 31 minutes of football across three substitute appearances, and has been an unused substitute in each of their last four games.
However, Football Insider revealed on 25 September that Emery is willing to give Garnacho time to adapt to his style of play and the new demands on him.
The boss has previously been known for taking his time with bedding in new players, as he has high expectations and demands the players meet his standards on the pitch.it's up to the player. He needs to impressing Emery in training to try and win his support
Garnacho still has some work to do to prove to Emery he deserves a place in the starting XI, but as things stand, there has been no decision made about his future at Aston Villa.