Aston Villa face a key decision as Alex Moreno is reportedly attracting interest, including from Nottingham Forest, over a season-long loan deal.
The Spaniard arrived from Real Betis in January 2023 as one of Unai Emery’s first key signings, and he became an instant hit with supporters after a string of impressive displays in the second half of that campaign.
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However, the 31-year-old saw injuries severely disrupt his season last year, with Lucas Digne establishing himself as the more reliable and consistent presence at left-back in the Villa XI, although competition for that position has become more crowded after the signing of Ian Maatsen earlier this summer.
The Dutchman is expected to emerge as first choice over time given he was signed for a significant fee and is clearly a key addition for Emery, and so one of Digne or Moreno has been expected to move on to avoid having too many options for that one role.
According to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, it could be Moreno who is moved on, with Nottingham Forest keen on a season-long loan deal, but he adds that Moreno has attracted plenty of interest and is considering his options.
It’s unclear if Villa will ultimately have to cut the player with the most interest and is the more viable option to shift or if Emery is indeed more open to losing Moreno than Digne, but it could be argued that the Spanish defender is better suited to his system and style of play when fit.
Digne has continued to provide a crucial option in his defence though, as he has been an important presence in the side over the past year or two despite the increasing level of competition that he has had to face. Further, Moreno’s level has certainly dipped post injury, as he has struggled to hit the heights that he reached prior on a consistent basis.
Based on this potential decision, it will certainly become clearer as to who will emerge as the primary competition to Maatsen for that left-back position for the upcoming campaign.