Aston Villa monitoring Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe amid growing transfer interest

Jonathan Rowe's future at Bologna is once again under the spotlight, with Aston Villa and Chelsea both keeping close tabs on the winger ahead of a potential summer move.

The 23-year-old is attracting renewed interest from the Premier League after an impressive first season in Italy, although Bologna remain determined to keep one of their most dangerous attacking players unless a significant offer arrives.

Reports from Italy suggest both Aston Villa and Chelsea continue to monitor Rowe after first expressing interest earlier this year.

While neither club has opened formal negotiations with Bologna, initial discussions are understood to have taken place with the player's representatives to establish the financial framework of a possible transfer.

The Premier League clubs are assessing Rowe as they consider alternatives in the wide attacking positions. Villa could require reinforcements should interest in Crysencio Summerville develop further, while Chelsea are also evaluating options if Alejandro Garnacho departs Stamford Bridge this summer.

At this stage, Rowe remains one of several names under consideration rather than an advanced target.

Bologna are in no rush to sell and are believed to value the winger at between €40 million and €45 million.

The club are also understood to have outlined salary expectations of around €4 million net per season during conversations with the player's entourage.

Those figures reflect Rowe's growing importance after a productive 2025/26 campaign.

His pace, direct running and ability to play across the frontline have made him one of Bologna's standout attacking players and an increasingly attractive option for Premier League clubs searching for versatile forwards.

Transfer speculation has intensified following an eventful pre-season friendly against Arminia Bielefeld.

Rowe was sent off after reacting to an altercation with an opponent, leaving Bologna to finish the match with ten men. The incident is expected to be discussed internally with head coach Domenico Tedesco and club officials, with disciplinary action reportedly under consideration.

However, there is currently no indication that the episode has altered Bologna's stance regarding the player's future. The club remain keen to retain him as they prepare for the new Serie A campaign, although they recognise a major offer from the Premier League would be difficult to ignore.

No official offer has yet been submitted by either Premier League club, but Rowe is expected to remain a player to watch as the transfer window progresses. Bologna will continue discussions with the winger following the pre-season incident while monitoring developments in the market.

If Aston Villa or Chelsea decide to accelerate their interest, Bologna's reported €40-45 million valuation is likely to form the starting point for any negotiations.

Would Jonathan Rowe be a stronger signing for Aston Villa or Chelsea if he becomes available this summer?