Chelsea are preparing a bid of €38 million for Bologna forward Jonathan Rowe, according to reports in Italy. The 22-year-old has impressed in Serie A this season, becoming a key player for Bologna despite limited playing time.
Rowe’s journey to prominence has been circuitous. After beginning his career at Norwich City, where he experienced a brief spell in the Premier League, he moved to Marseille last summer. However, his time in France was short-lived, ending after a reported physical altercation with teammate Adrien Rabiot. Bologna signed Rowe for €17 million, and he has since become a significant contributor, registering eight goals and four assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Despite not always being a regular starter, clocking just 2,300 minutes this season, Rowe has showcased considerable talent. His dribbling ability has proven problematic for Serie A defenders, and he demonstrated his capabilities against Premier League opposition in Bologna’s Europa League tie against Aston Villa, where he was the standout performer. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery publicly praised Rowe after the match, and the club are now reportedly monitoring his situation.
Chelsea’s interest stems from the inconsistent form of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Bologna are now “terrified of hearing the phone ring,” fearing the loss of Rowe after only one season. Bologna’s chances of retaining Rowe are diminishing, particularly as their qualification for European football next season is unlikely, dependent on results for Inter, Atalanta and themselves. Convincing Rowe to remain with Bologna will be a significant challenge if offers from the Premier League materialise. The potential transfer is being described as “the deal of the summer” by some observers.
Rowe himself has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, having grown up near Wembley. A move to Chelsea would represent a significant step in his career, offering him a platform to showcase his talent on a larger stage.
