Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now personally driving a move for an “exceptional” defender, who has been identified as a priority target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Villa breeze past Club Brugge
Villa’s 3-0 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night saw them comfortably into the Champions League quarter-final, where they are set to face their toughest test yet, coming up against a Paris Saint-Germain side that defeated Liverpool in the round of 16.
Marco Asensio bagged another brace for the Villans last time out with the Spaniard underlining exactly why negotiations are already underway to make his stay at Villa Park permanent, and there is a feeling he could be available for just £13m.
Emery is keen to strengthen several areas of his squad in the summer, having also identified the need to bring in a new striker following Jhon Duran’s departure to Al-Nassr, and a report has revealed Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic may be available for just £25m.
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He’s impressed Emery this season.
Earlier this week, it emerged the Champions League quarter-finalists are still in the race to sign Jon Aramburu this summer, in a deal that could amount to just £13m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the right-back.
According to a report from Spain, Aramburu has now been identified as a priority target for Aston Villa, with Emery viewing him as an ideal option to strengthen the right-back area.
The Spaniard is driving the move for the defender, having informed the hierarchy of the need to bring in a new right-back, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan also in the picture.
Emery is determined to sign the Venezuelan, but it could be difficult to prise him away from Real Sociedad, given that he has only recently signed a new contract with the Spanish club, which means they will not be pressured to sell for below their asking price.
“Exceptional” Aramburu impressing for club and country
The 22-year-old has been a consistent starter for Sociedad in La Liga this season, making 24 appearances, and he is ranked among their most consistent performers, averaging the third-highest WhoScored match rating in the squad.
The Caracas-born defender is particularly impressive at winning back possession, ranking in the 99th percentile for tackles completed per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 91st percentile for clearances and aerials won.
Journalist Nathan Joyes also lavished the Venezuela international with praise after watching him in action for his country.
At just £13m, Aramburu could be a great signing for Villa, but they are already well-stocked in the right-back area, with Matty Cash and January signing Andres Garcia to choose from.
