On November 19th, we covered claims from Spain which stated Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is ‘fishing’ at CA Osasuna for Flavien Enzo Boyomo.
A day later, Diario de Noticias reported the La Liga side are aware of Aston Villa’s interest in the 23-year-old but there hasn’t been any contact with them so far. It was also stated the Premier League side have been following him since the start of this season.
On Thursday, both AS and Mundo Deportivo reported the defender has a €25m release clause and Aston Villa will have to match that to sign him in the winter market.
Osasuna sporting director Braulio Vázquez has been speaking to the Spanish media and was asked about Aston Villa’s reported interest in the centre-back. His comments are relayed by Onda Cero.
Vázquez and Emery previously worked together at Valencia between 2009 and 2012, and the director has now revealed he’s in regular contact with the Aston Villa manager.
The Osasuna official added he has already held discussions with Emery about Boyomo and his club teammate, Aimar Oroz.
When responding to the reports linking Boyomo to Aston Villa, he said: “Specifically with that club that has been linked with him, I can tell you that if there was something very firm, then I am lucky that I am a very good friend in Unai.
“It’s true that because of his age, because he’s a Cameroon international, and because he’s played 10 games in the first division, it’s obvious that he attracts attention.
“It’s true that because of his position on the pitch and his condition and age, I think there are important teams that are following him, but Aston Villa in particular… I also talk to Unai about Boyomo, Aimar…. Every two weeks we talk on the phone, so if there was something I would know about it.”