Chelsea have identified Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe as a transfer target and have contacted his representatives, according to reports in Italy. The London-born 23-year-old, who came through Norwich City's academy, has taken an unconventional career path, including a violent exit from Marseille following a bar fight with teammate Adrien Rabiot.
Rowe's turbulent journey
Rowe made his professional debut for Norwich in 2021 and moved to Marseille on loan in 2024 before a permanent transfer. However, his time in France ended in disgrace last year after a physical altercation with France international Rabiot. Both players were subsequently sold: Rowe to Bologna for £16.8 million and Rabiot to AC Milan.
At Bologna, Rowe impressed with eight goals in 43 appearances across all competitions in his first season, catching Chelsea's attention. Italian publication Il Resto del Carlino reports that contact has been made between Chelsea and Rowe's agent, though no formal offer has been submitted.
Interest from multiple clubs
Bologna are reluctant to sell, but a significant offer representing a major profit could change their stance. Aston Villa, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce are also monitoring the winger. The report suggests Rowe is keen to return to the Premier League, having only briefly featured for Norwich at the start of his career.
Chelsea are seeking wide reinforcements as Alejandro Garnacho is available for transfer after a disappointing first season since joining from Manchester United. Roma have been linked with Garnacho, but Chelsea demand over £40 million for his signature.
De Zerbi's shock at Marseille incident
Former Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi described the bar fight as unprecedented in his career. 'What happens if, at your workplace, two people, two employees, two workers, two lawyers, get into a fight?' De Zerbi said. '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.'
De Zerbi 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.'
Rowe would represent a controversial replacement for Garnacho given his past, but his performances in Serie A have made him a viable target for Chelsea's summer recruitment.
