Aston Villa have reportedly received an approach from Girona over the signing of left-back Alex Moreno this summer.
The 32-year-old made an impressive impact after his arrival from Real Betis in January 2023, as his form soon after arriving saw him displace Lucas Digne as first choice in the left-back position.
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However, after suffering an injury at the end of that campaign, Moreno has struggled to establish himself again and spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
With Digne still battling for that starting role, Villa signing Ian Maatsen last summer seemingly signalled the end for Moreno at the club, and despite featuring for us in pre-season so far this summer, it looks as though an exit could now be on the cards.
According to The Athletic, Girona have made an approach for the Spaniard, with talks ongoing between the two clubs over a deal that would see him move on an initial loan with a permanent transfer possible at the end of that stint.
It’s added that terms are still being discussed in order to reach an agreement, but the report would seem to indicate a willingness on Villa’s side to offload Moreno this summer, while a move back to Spain could be the ideal switch for the defender.
Aside from Digne and Maatsen battling it out to become Unai Emery’s first-choice left-back, talented youngster Yasin Ozcan has been working with the squad so far this summer after arriving from Kasimpasa, and with his versatility to play either as a centre-half or left-back, he could be another depth option if he isn’t sent out on loan for the upcoming season.
In turn, it’s certainly the sensible decision to look to move Moreno on this summer as we’ll clear space in the squad and free up resources, while the Spanish ace will look to get a more prominent role elsewhere.
Perhaps the only doubt over such a scenario playing out was the possibility of Digne departing given he’s in the final 12 months of his contract and was touted as a potential sacrifice to lower our wage bill this summer with the view of ensuring we become compliant with UEFA’s SCR rules, but amid speculation that the Frenchman could now sign a new deal, that would surely indicate that Moreno’s exit from Villa is inevitable and it remains to be seen when a deal is reached for it to materialise.
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