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Aston Villa have been linked with a 'crazy' swap deal that would change their attacking setup - but would it work?
Aston Villa have shown promising signs of being able to cope with the pressure of competing in the Champions League and continuing on their upward trajectory in the Premier League throughout an intriguing first half to the season.
It would be safe to say Unai Emery’s side were somewhat surprise contenders for a top four place last season - but the clever recruitment and expert coaching overseen by the Spaniard and his staff guided the club back to European football’s top table for the first time since 1983. Despite facing the challenges provided by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations that seem to prevent growth rather than encourage it, Villa enjoyed a progressive summer transfer window that has laid the foundations for another top four tilt this season.
Emery’s squad already possesses several promising young players and their ranks were further boosted by the expensive arrivals of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana and Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen, whilst a more shrewd approach was taken when Luton Town star Ross Barkley was tempted back to Villa Park. However, there were difficulties as well as PSR reared its ugly head and forced Villa into the lucrative and some would say cruel decisions to allow key duo Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz to leave the club to join Al-Ittihad and Juventus respectively. Those deals swelled the coffers by around £90m and there will be a desire to use some of those funds to add to Emery’s squad during the January transfer window.
However, Villa will have to box clever as they look to add to an injury-hit squad - and that is why there should be little surprise of the latest reports in Italy suggesting consideration is being given to a swap deal to prise away one of Juventus’ top talents. CalcioMercato have reported Villa are keen to sign Turkey international Kenan Yildiz after the 19-year-old winger impressed over the first half of the season by scoring four goals and providing five assists in 23 appearances in all competitions with the Serie A giants. His performances have led to suggestions Juve could look for a fee of around £66m before they would even consider allowing the youngster to depart - and that could take him it out Villa’s price range.
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However, there is a somewhat unlikely suggestion from ex-Villa scout Brian King as he has suggested his old club should offer attacking midfielder Emi Buendia as part of a swap deal for Yildiz. He told Villa News: “Perhaps there could be a swap deal on the cards. Buendía has been linked with a move away from the club, maybe they will offer him to Juventus? That could be something. However, Juventus do want £66million for the player. You can forget that. He has had a few games at a high level, not a few seasons. Therefore, he hasn’t done enough to generate a payment of £66million.”
Buendia, when fit, is a talented player and he has produced some eye-catching moments during his time with Villa and Norwich City - but as it stands, the once-capped Argentina international is yet to make a start in the Premier League this season and his only starts in any competition have both come in the Carabao Cup.
It seems unlikely Juventus would consider there being any significant value in adding Buendia to any possible swap deal for Yildiz and that could leave Villa to reconsider their options as they look to find a battle between meeting their financial requirements and bringing in further talent.
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