Aston Villa manager Unai Emery instructs his players.placeholder image
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery instructs his players. | Getty Images
Aston Villa are already looking to scout out potential future investments
Aston Villa arrived at the first international break of the season with much improvement to be made from the club’s start to the new Premier League season.
The Villans sit 19th in the division and are yet to register a goal after defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace and a goalless draw with Newcastle United on the opening day.
The club are already beginning to scout potential signings to arrive in future transfer windows, amidst rumours that Villa are considering paying a release-clause fee for a consistent La Liga performer once the window opens once again.
Aston Villa considering move for Athletic Club’s Dani Vivian?
According to Fichajes in Spain, Athletic Club centre-back Dani Vivian is emerging as a target for multiple Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa viewed as one of the prime contenders. The report also cites Newcastle and Manchester United as being potential rivals to the Villans for the 26-year-old’s signature.
Vivian has a €40 million (£35m) release clause in his contract in Bilbao and the indications are that a Premier League move may be an attractive possibility, should his clause be activated in January or next summer. Considering the player still has seven years remaining on his contract until 2032, it is thought of as highly likely that only triggering his release clause will seal the deal.
The Basque-born ace represented Spain at Euro 2024 and has earned nine caps for his country in addition to a winners’ medal following success in the final against England. Fichajes state that some of Vivian’s qualities include ‘his defensive solidity, good aerial game, and ability to play out from the back’, which have made him ‘one of the most outstanding’ centre-backs in La Liga. The report continues that the player has the necessary experience and maturity to succeed at the top level in the most high-pressure environments.
Dani Vivian signing could shore up Aston Villa defence
Concerns over attacking areas and PSR constraints has meant that improving at the back was rarely made a priority by Emery over the summer. Deadline-day signing Victor Lindelof is likely to be used as cover after a last-minute signing which felt more necessary than deeply desired.
Vivian spoke to Spanish media ahead of the Euro 2024 final, following an outstanding personal contribution in the second half of their semi-final against France. He said: "We feel like winners every day, but we don't feel like winners of the European Championships yet. We don't make assessments about whether we are better or worse, we simply believe in ourselves and we have believed since day one. We have earned the fact that we feel loved.”
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