Aston Villa’s summer transfer plans are beginning to take shape as they reportedly engage in talks over potential deals for Spanish defenders Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte.
Following an impressive 2022/23 season under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Aston Villa secured a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League for the upcoming campaign.
With European football on the horizon and substantial financial support behind them, Villa is setting its sights high for the summer transfer window.
The club recently expressed interest in Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, who is available on a free transfer. However, they faced stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain and were ultimately unable to secure the player’s signature.
Undeterred, Aston Villa now turns its attention to strengthening its central defence, with Pau Torres from Villarreal and Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City emerging as prime targets, according to sources close to 90min.
Unai Emery, Villa’s manager, shares a history with Pau Torres from their time together at Villarreal, during which they clinched a Europa League title.
This existing relationship could prove influential in persuading the talented defender to make the move to Villa Park.
The reports suggest that Villarreal acknowledges Torres’s probable departure this summer. The 26-year-old possesses a release clause in the vicinity of €50 million, which Villa might have to activate to secure his services.
With Villarreal seemingly open to a potential transfer, Aston Villa could exploit this opportunity to bolster their defensive ranks with a proven talent.
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Should Villa succeed in securing the signatures of both Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte, it would undoubtedly strengthen their defensive line significantly.
Torres has showcased his ability at both the club and international level, earning plaudits for his composure on the ball and astute reading of the game.
Laporte, meanwhile, brings a wealth of Premier League experience and a winning mentality, having established himself as a key figure in Manchester City’s backline.
Villa’s pursuit of these top-tier defenders demonstrates their ambition to build on last season’s success and continue their ascent in both domestic and European competitions.
The addition of Torres and Laporte would not only enhance their defensive solidity but also provide a strong platform for further progression under the guidance of Unai Emery.
However, it is important to note that transfer negotiations can be complex, and there are various factors that can influence the outcome.
While talks have taken place and Villa has shown interest, the finalization of any deal is yet to be confirmed.
