Chelsea have identified Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe as a transfer target and have reached out to his representatives, according to Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino. The London-born 23-year-old has taken an unconventional path to Serie A, having been sold by Marseille last year following a violent altercation with teammate Adrien Rabiot.
Rowe's unique career journey
Rowe came through Norwich City's academy and made his professional debut for the Canaries in 2021. The England Under-21 international moved to Marseille on loan in 2024 before the deal became permanent. However, his time in France ended in disgrace after a physical confrontation with France international Rabiot. Both players were subsequently sold: Rowe joined Bologna for £16.8 million, while Rabiot moved to AC Milan.
In his first season with Bologna, Rowe made 43 appearances across all competitions and scored eight goals, catching the attention of Premier League clubs.
Chelsea's interest and competition
Il Resto del Carlino reports that Chelsea have made contact with Rowe's agent, though no formal offer has been submitted. Bologna are reluctant to sell, but a significant offer representing a substantial profit could change their stance. Aston Villa, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce are also monitoring the winger's situation.
The report suggests Rowe would welcome a return to the Premier League, having only briefly experienced it with Norwich at the start of his career.
Potential replacement for Garnacho
Chelsea are exploring wide options as Alejandro Garnacho is available for transfer this summer after a disappointing first campaign following his move from Manchester United. The Blues are seeking over £40 million for the Argentina international, with Roma considered a potential destination.
Rowe would be a controversial replacement given the circumstances of his Marseille exit, which shocked then-manager Roberto De Zerbi, now at Tottenham.
De Zerbi's account of the bar fight
De Zerbi vividly described the incident: 'What happens if, at your workplace, two people, two employees, two workers, two lawyers, get into a fight? It was a bar fight, in front of the sporting director, in front of the coach, with a team-mate on the ground. It's true that no teeth were broken during the fight, but it was a fight like I've never seen in all my years in football.'
He added: 'For the first time in my career, I didn't know what to say or what to do. I've never seen anything like it. I come from the streets, I'm used to fights, but I've never seen anything like this. The club's bodyguards were trying to separate them. Normally they're supposed to protect us from others, not from ourselves.'
