Qudus SalihuAston Villa manager Unai Emery is now “working” on a deal to sign an “unbelievable” player permanently, as he is a perfect fit for the club, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Villa making plans for the summer
Villa were active in the January transfer window, bringing in the likes of Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen and Marco Asensio to strengthen in attacking areas, amid the departure of Jhon Duran, who joined Al-Nassr for £65m.
However, Emery remains keen on bringing in a new forward in the summer, with widespread reports suggesting Rashford could still be eyeing a move to Barcelona at the end of the season.
Samuel Chukwueze is of interest to the Villans, and there are suggestions the AC Milan winger could be keen on a reunion with Emery, given that he has previously described his former manager as “amazing”.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha is also on the shortlist, with reliable reporter Ben Jacobs revealing a deal is “there to be had” in the summer, regardless of whether the Old Gold retain their Premier League status.
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Unai Emery has set his sights on a striker who has already scored 20 league goals this season.
While Rashford’s future remains up in the air, there are now suggestions Villa could already be trying to secure the signing of Asensio on a permanent basis, with Brown telling Football Insider: “On the evidence of what I’ve seen in his couple of appearances, he looks perfect for Villa.
“I think Emery and his staff will have been impressed as well, and they’ll already have started working behind the scenes to see if they can make the move permanent.
“A lot will depend on the role he plays while on loan, but at the moment I’d say that’s where they’re leaning.
“PSG want to move him on, he’s keen to leave, and Villa will be better off if they can keep him beyond the end of the season and will be working to make that happen.”
Asensio still yet to prove himself
The Spaniard arrived at Villa Park with a good pedigree, having played for European giants Real Madrid and PSG, however it is too early to say whether he should be signed on a permanent basis.
The former Real Madrid man was lauded as “unbelievable” during his time in La Liga, but he has made just two cameo appearances since arriving at Villa on loan, coming on as a second-half substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town.
Having amassed 61 goals and 32 assists in 286 games for Madrid, there are clear signs the 29-year-old could go on to be an important player for Villa as we enter the business end of the season.
However, the jury is still out at the moment, and the £116k-per-week attacking midfielder will be hoping he is given the opportunity to prove himself with a start against Liverpool in the Premier League this evening.
ZHAKE
Qudus Salihu
