Interest is reportedly being shown in Aston Villa duo Douglas Luiz and Matty Cash from Juventus and AC Milan respectively.
It promises to be a busy summer for Villa as we look to end the transfer window with a stronger squad ahead of what will be another gruelling season next year, as we look to compete on multiple fronts for major honours.
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Having secured a place in the Champions League, it will certainly test Unai Emery and his players at the highest level, and so it’s hoped that we can bring in reinforcements to strengthen the group and make us increasingly competitive.
However, as with many other clubs, speculation persists over our potential PSR concerns as we look to avoid breaching the parameters set by the regulations, and so our spending in the coming weeks may well have to be balanced with sales.
While rumours will no doubt link many of the current players with an exit, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juventus are keen on Luiz, but negotiations between the two clubs are said to be complicated as it could involve a swap deal with Weston McKennie, but their respective valuations differ significantly.
He notes while Luiz is valued at €60m, which arguably is too low, McKennie is worth around €30m, which arguably seems too high.
In turn, it remains to be seen if those figures are accurate and if Villa are interested in reaching an agreement that involves McKennie joining us. If so, it’s unclear at this stage whether or not Juventus are capable of making up that shortfall with a transfer fee included in their proposal.
Meanwhile, Di Marzio also reports that Milan made an enquiry for Cash, but ultimately the price-tag placed on the Polish International by Villa was seemingly too high for them to consider a move.
In an ideal world, Villa wouldn’t have to sell anyone this summer and we could solely focus on improving the current group and building around key players.
Unfortunately, it may well be the case that we do have to make a big sale in order to fund our own spending, but given the work done by Emery, Monchi and the recruitment team thus far, there is confidence that they’ll make the right decisions and ensure it works out for the best in the end.
Luiz enjoyed a really positive campaign last season and is an influential presence in midfield for Emery given the way he dictates and controls games, while Cash is a crucial option at right-back given our lack of depth in that role. In turn, should either depart, Villa will certainly look to fill those voids and upgrade where possible.