Unai Emery believes he will need Alejandro Garnacho as an important part of his Aston Villa squad, sources have told Football Insider.
That is despite speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s long-term future at Villa Park, following his limited playing time during the early stages of his loan spell after joining from Chelsea.
The Argentina international has played just 31 minutes across all competitions so far this season and has been an unused substitute in each of Villa’s last four matches.
It is also understood that Chelsea and Villa do not have a January exit clause in Garnacho’s season-long loan deal.
That means both Premier League clubs would have to agree to terminate the loan early during the next transfer window if he continues to spend matches on the Villa substitutes’ bench.
However, as revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Garnacho is expected to play an important role as Villa’s fixture schedule becomes increasingly demanding.
Emery’s side are competing in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup this season and will need a deep squad if they are to maintain their performances.
As a result, the Villa boss believes Garnacho will be given opportunities to impress in the starting XI, even if it takes some time for him to work his way into Emery’s plans.
What Does Unai Emery Have Planned for Alejandro Garnacho?
Football Insider revealed on September 25 that Emery has no plans to let Garnacho leave Aston Villa in the near future, with the winger still viewed as an important member of his first-team squad.
The Villa boss has previously been known to take his time when integrating new players, with high standards and demanding expectations for those looking to establish themselves in his side.
As a result, Emery is prepared to give Garnacho time to adapt and plans to use him more regularly when the fixtures begin to pile up during the difficult winter months.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Garnacho hasn’t been playing for Villa. I think it’s 31 minutes he’s played for Villa across three substitute appearances.
“He’s been an unused sub for Villa’s past four matches as well. So look, he’s obviously struggling to win the faith of Unai Emery.
“Emery will need him at some point this season, you would think, with Villa in the Champions League and going to have so many competitions and games that they’re playing in as well.
“But it’s up to the player. He needs to start impressing Emery in training to try and win his support and everything else.
“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, especially during that difficult stage of the season.”
Speculation surrounding Garnacho’s future at Villa Park has emerged because of his lack of playing time, with Emery admitting that the winger is currently down the pecking order.
The 22-year-old joined Villa on loan from Chelsea during the summer, with a £43million obligation to buy included if he reaches certain milestones during his temporary spell.
However, Football Insider revealed on September 27 that Garnacho could potentially leave Aston Villa earlier than expected if his playing time does not improve in the near future.
Several clubs across Europe have reportedly been linked with a move for Garnacho because of his lack of opportunities, although much will depend on both the player and Aston Villa.
Chelsea have no plans for the winger to return to Stamford Bridge, having agreed to send him out on loan with the expectation that he would meet the required conditions and make his move to Villa permanent.
