Aston Villa announced the signing of a loan Chelsea striker Alejandro Garnacho until the end of the 2026–27 season.
The 22-year-old’s transfer “will become permanent next summer if certain criteria are met”, the Blues said, with the Argentine having already agreed a four-year contract at Villa Park.
Neither club has disclosed the terms of the purchase obligation, but it is expected to be activated if conditions such as Garnacho’s number of appearances next season are met.
Chelsea believe terms are easily achievable and they will reach their original £43 million valuation.
Garnacho’s departure from Stamford Bridge follows Chelsea’s £117m record signing of Morgan Rodgers from Villa on Tuesday.
Villa manager Unai Emery said he was “delighted” with Garnacho’s arrival.
“He is so talented, young and showed us his desire to help our project. We are very happy,” he added.
The winger becomes Villa’s fourth signing following the arrivals of Yohan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Modou Keba Cissé.
Meanwhile, Villa’s player sales this summer will total almost £200m, with Rodgers, Youri Tielemans, Donyell Malen, Enzo Barrenechea and Lewis Dobbin all leaving.
The Blues were keen to offload Garnacho despite only signing him last September in a £40m deal from Manchester United, who would be owed 10% of any potential transfer fee.
His impact at Stamford Bridge was limited to one Premier League goal, and the arrival of Rodgers and Sporting striker Giovani Kenda increased the need to trim the squad.