Aston Villa are now looking to hijack another deal, after making a late move to secure Johan Manzambi’s signature.
Manzambi appeared to be heading to Newcastle United, but the SC Freiburg midfielder is set to become the 10th player to turn Eddie Howe’s side down over the past two years.
Nine of those players went on to join rival Premier League clubs, and the Switzerland international is now poised to complete a move to Villa Park, with a £49m deal being agreed.
It was important for the Villans to get a deal for a new midfielder over the line, as Youri Tielemans is set to sign for Manchester United, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano.
However, Unai Emery‘s side have now turned their attentions towards improving other areas of the squad.
Aston Villa now plotting raid on Chelsea
According to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now eyeing a move for Trevoh Chalobah, in what will have to be a hijack of Inter Milan, who have been discussing making an offer worth a total of €35m (£30m), which would meet Chelsea’s demands.
However, Villa will have to move swiftly if they are going to lure the defender to Villa Park, as he is keen to complete a move to the San Siro.
|
Football FanCast’s Verdict |
|
|---|---|
|
Credibility |
Villa are already well-stocked at centre-back, but they have an aging backline, with Victor Lindelof now 31 and Tyrone Mings potentially in the latter stages of his career at 33. As such, they may need to sign a new defender sooner rather than later, and Chalobah is experienced in the Premier League. |
|
Finances |
The Blues are willing to sell the England international for £30m, which could be considered pricey, considering Manzambi is set to arrive in a £49m deal. Reporter Nick Mashiter has revealed they don’t have much room for manoeuvre in the transfer market, saying: “Villa do not have much wiggle room, especially as they have to comply with an agreement with UEFA over what they can spend.” |
|
Insight |
Thomas Tuchel has described the Chelsea star as “fantastic”, and he was a first-team regular for the Blues last season, making 52 appearances in all competitions, including the Club World Cup. |
|
Impact |
Villa could sign the English defender as a long-term replacement for compatriot Mings, who has made just 32 Premier League appearances over the past three seasons, having struggled on the injury front. |
Tyrone Mings’ Aston Villa future in doubt
Mings’ future at Villa Park is now up in the air, having entered the final year of his contract, and his repetitive injury issues mean it may be time for Emery to sanction a departure.
Chalobah could be a solid replacement, with the Chelsea defender particularly impressive when it comes to keeping possession, averaging 68.7 accurate passes per 90 in the Premier League last season, the highest number of any player in the Blues’ squad.
Moreover, the Cobham academy graduate is also more than willing to pitch in defensively, with an average of 5.8 clearances per 90 ranking him in second place.
Should Mings depart, Chalobah is the calibre of player Aston Villa need to bring in, but Inter Milan could be difficult to turn down, off the back of winning the Serie A last season.