Bologna’s English Sensation Storms Serie A With Bicycle Kick: Should Aston Villa Prioritise Him Over Chelsea This Summer?

Rowe has the physical attributes as he’s fast, strong, and can play anywhere across the front three. That said, there are still a few red flags. He had a slow start to the season due to fitness issues, and his exit from Marseille was reportedly clouded by off-field concerns. For any club ready to spend a massive fee, doing the homework on his character will be just as important as watching his highlights.

Should Aston Villa prioritise signing Rowe over Chelsea this summer?

CREMONA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Jonathan Rowe of Bologna FC looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on April 05, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Aston Villa should definitely go all-in for Rowe, and the reasoning is about more than just beating a rival. Unai Emery’s team are essentially locked into Champions League football, which is something Chelsea simply can’t offer right now. Rowe has already played against Villa this year and had plenty of good things to say about the club, which suggests he’s already sold on Emery’s vision.

On the flip side, Chelsea are going into another summer of uncertainty with a squad in flux and a permanent manager yet to be confirmed. Villa offers the opposite with stability, a clear identity, and a seat at Europe’s top table.

Rowe is a natural option for that left-sided role, bringing the work rate and technical polish Emery loves. Given Bologna’s habit of selling to the highest bidder in England, a deal around that €38 million mark feels very doable. Aston Villa don’t necessarily have to get into a bidding war; they just need to pitch what they have with guaranteed minutes, a possible Champions League platform, and a world-class manager who knows how to use him. Right now, Villa are clearly the better career move.