Chelsea are reportedly preparing a €38 million bid to sign Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe (23) following an intensive scouting mission during the 2025/26 Serie A campaign. According to reports in Gazzetta dello Sport, the London club has specifically identified the Englishman as a primary target to address a lack of depth and reliability on the flanks. The proposed fee represents a significant mark-up on the €17 million Bologna paid Marseille for the player in August 2025, though Chelsea face competition from Galatasaray, who are currently viewed as the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
Chelsea’s tactical requirement and squad instability
The pursuit of Rowe is driven by the underwhelming impact of Chelsea's 2025 summer recruitment. High-profile signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have both struggled with persistent injury issues and inconsistent form since arriving at Stamford Bridge, forcing the management to occasionally deploy left-back Marc Cucurella in an advanced role. Rowe has established himself as a durable alternative in Italy, recording seven goals and four assists across 41 appearances for Bologna this season. His versatility and availability contrast sharply with Chelsea's current wide options, where the lack of a reliable presence has disrupted tactical consistency. Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that while Bologna would prefer to keep the winger, the prospect of a lucrative bid may make a sale unavoidable.
Market valuation and the race for Rowe
Rowe’s valuation has more than doubled in less than a year, fueled by his adaptation to Italian football following a brief, disciplined-marred stint at Marseille. His departure from France was accelerated by a reported training ground altercation with Adrien Rabiot, yet he has since rebuilt his reputation as one of the most effective wide progressors in Serie A. Chelsea’s ability to close a deal may hinge on their European status for the 2026/27 season; sources in Italy indicate that the player's preference is to join a project offering continental football. With Galatasaray also seeking a replacement for Noa Lang, the €38 million figure is positioned as a preemptive strike by Chelsea to secure the player before a bidding war escalates during the European Championships.
The winger is expected to make a final decision on his future after Bologna concludes their domestic campaign, with Premier League interest likely to intensify.