Matt Maher analysis as Aston Villa continue Premier League winning run
Aston Villa could swoop in and snag this Premier League target from rivals Crystal Palace
Aston Villa are on the market for a new centre-back over the coming months and they could be tempted with the idea of hijacking a Premier League rival’s business.
Crystal Palace are in a similar situation, with Marc Guehi due to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season. The captain’s contract expires next summer and rumours are swirling around where his future lies, having failed to sign for Premier League champions Liverpool on Deadline Day.
The Reds remain linked with Guehi but they are no longer the front-runners, despite agreeing terms with him during the summer window.
Regardless of Guehi’s next destination, Palace are looking to sign a proven centre-back to replace him. According to TEAMtalk, the Eagles are ‘genuine contenders’ to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City next summer. However, the Dutchman could also be a solid candidate to join Aston Villa.
Aston Villa could hijack rival move for Nathan Ake
The report claims that City will give ‘serious consideration’ to selling Ake next summer, when his contract will have just 12 months left before expiration. With starts no longer a guarantee for the 30-year-old in Manchester, next year could be the prime time for him to pursue a move elsewhere.
Palace are heavily linked with Ake as a replacement for Guehi but Villa would also benefit from an international centre-back joining the ranks. Ake is experienced within the Dutch national team and was part of the side that finished as runners-up in the 2018/19 Nations League.
At club level, Ake has won four Premier League titles with Man City, as well as the Champions League, FA Cup and four other trophies.
Back in 2023, Pep Guardiola had a lot of praise for Ake, particularly after City beat Arsenal in the FA Cup, with the Dutchman scoring the winning goal and holding his own against Bukayo Saka.
“He is really good in the duels in the box, defending the far post and set pieces is an extra bonus. He is an exceptional guy, there was a period where he didn’t play and he never complained once,” the City boss said.
Ezri Konsa linked with Aston Villa exit as multiple clubs show interest
According to TBR Football, the Reds are in the mix alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Man City are also in the mix. The latter’s interest could work out in both club’s favours too - if Konsa is eager to move elsewhere to challenge for trophies, Ake could move in the opposite direction, as an almost like-for-like switch.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with interest in Konsa, along with overseas clubs. Villa do not want to part ways with the centre-back but with the constant threat of PSR concerns, every club has their price for even their best players these days.
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