Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been in contact to sign Fiorentina star Cher Ndour, with the midfielder now attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.
Unai Emery‘s side have found it difficult to get going this season, after a major squad rebuild during the summer, but they managed to get back on track with a 3-1 victory against Coventry City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
After losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, one area in which Villa were forced to strengthen was central midfield, signing Johan Manzambi, and Ndour has now emerged as a target too, with the Fiorentina maestro represented by the same agent as the 20-year-old.
|
Aston Villa’ summer signings |
Age |
Position |
|
Modou Keba Cisse |
20 |
CB |
|
Matteo Ruggeri |
24 |
LB |
|
Taylor Harwood-Bellis |
24 |
CB |
|
Zion Suzuki |
23 |
GK |
|
Joao Gomes |
25 |
CM |
|
Ibrahim Mbaye |
18 |
RW |
|
Nicolas Jackson |
25 |
ST |
|
Johan Manzambi |
20 |
AM |
|
Alejandro Garnacho |
22 |
LW |
|
Aaron Wan-Bissaka |
28 |
RB |
|
Leon Goretzka |
32 |
CM |
At 22-years-old, the Italian is a similar age to Manzambi, but he has already tested himself in a number of leagues, making ten appearances in the Liga Portugal, three in Ligue 1, 12 in the Turkish Super Lig and 46 in the Serie A.
The Brescia-born midfielder has really kicked on since signing for Fiorentina in 2025, with 33 of his Serie A outings coming last season, during which time he scored three goals and averaged 1.7 successful tackles per 90.
Como scout Ben Mattinson has also lauded the two-cap Italy international for his physical profile and ability on the ball, saying: “Ndour has a fascinating profile similar to the likes of Ryan Gravenberch. A tall (6’3”) CM who moves like he’s smaller.
“Ndour covers ground well and on the ball he’s completely ambipedal in his passing and shooting, making him even more press resistant.”
Aston Villa make approach to sign Cher Ndour
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have submitted an enquiry regarding a deal for Ndour, with a move to the Premier League starting to look increasingly likely, as a number of clubs are queuing up to secure his signature.
Newcastle United, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Hull City have also made contact to sign the Italian maestro, who was formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, and the reigning European champions retain a 50% sell-on clause.
Fiorentina have reportedly set an asking price of €35m (£30m), meaning a deal for the ex-PSG midfielder wouldn’t break the bank, but the Italian side remain in a strong negotiating position, as he remains under contract until 2029.
That said, it would perhaps be surprising if Villa were to make a move, having signed Gomes, Goretzka and Manzambi during the summer transfer window, while fellow midfielder Ross Barkley was on the scoresheet in the victory against Coventry on Wednesday night.