Aston Villa have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Pervis Estupinan, but talks are ongoing with AC Milan over a transfer fee.
With speculation heavily linking Lucas Digne with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, should that exit materialise, it will leave a void at left-back that must be addressed this summer.
While that departure should open the door for Ian Maatsen to emerge as the clear first choice in the position, Unai Emery will no doubt want competition and depth in every spot in the side, and so Villa are closing in on bringing in a new face.
Subscribe to Talk Villa+ below for ad-free weekly newsletters, exclusive articles and much more sent directly to you. The TalkVilla podcast is also now available, have a listen, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or YouTube. UTV!
According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa have agreed on personal terms with Estupinan, who is said to be keen on the move and a return to not only the Premier League, but also working with Emery after their previous stint together at Villarreal.
However, it’s added in the report that there is no agreement between Villa and Milan on a transfer fee as of yet, and so those discussions will continue in the coming days.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed important spells at Villarreal, Brighton and Milan over the past six years, and although he has struggled to hit the heights that he reached in England in more recent times, it’s hoped that should he arrive at Villa, he’s able to rediscover that level and play an important role for us.
With his speed and attacking qualities, he will suit what Emery wants from his full-backs, as we’ve seen with Maatsen, but perhaps the big test for the pair will be their defensive work and giving us a consistently solid and reliable presence on that left side.
Nevertheless, it appears as though Emery believes Estupinan is the best solution to replace Digne, and having overcome one hurdle with personal terms being agreed, now all eyes will be on how those ongoing talks between the two clubs go as that will determine if we get our top target, or if we are forced to look elsewhere for alternative options.