Mikel Jauregizar is believed to be a transfer target for Aston Villaplaceholder image
Mikel Jauregizar is believed to be a transfer target for Aston Villa | Getty Images
Aston Villa have emerged as contenders to sign a talented Champions League midfielder
In-form Premier League side Aston Villa have reportedly expressed an interest in signing highly-rated Spanish midfielder Mikel Jauregizar this January.
Reports from Fichajes state that Jauregizar is one of most talked about names in meetings between Emery and Villa’s scouts as the West Midlands outfit draw up plans to try and enhance their already strong list of options in midfield in preparation for the second half of the campaign.
Jauregizar began his career with hometown club Bermeo in the Basque region of Spain, making a single appearance for the team’s senior team in the Spanish fourth-tier at the age of 15 before being recruited by Athletic Club, who are known for known for their cantera policy of buying young Basque players or developing them through their academies.
He’s been a first team regular for both of the last two seasons and is currently earning a reputation as a rising star after helping the club to secure Champions League qualification last season.
Mikel Jauregizar attracts Aston Villa interest
Aston Villa boss Emery is reported to be a huge admirer of Mikel Jauregizar. He remains well connected in Spanish football from spells at Villarreal, Sevilla, Valencia and Almeria in the past and is thought to be keeping close tabs on the youngster’s progress.
Jauregizar, aged 22, has made 79 appearances in total for Athletic Club, scoring four times and providing five assists. In his first full campaign, he formed part of Ernesto Valverde’s cup-winning team as the team beat Real Mallorca on penalties in the final of the 2024 Copa del Rey.
He featured even more frequently last term, helping the club to a fourth place finish while reaching the semi-final of the Europa League.
Jauregizar, who has played eight times for Spain at Under-21 level, has featured in every match this season and has started four of his side’s five Champions League matches so far.
How much could Mikel Jauregizar cost Aston Villa?
At San Mamés, they have no intention of losing a player with Jauregizar’s ilk. However, it’s thought Villa could test the waters with a bid in the region of 60 million euros or £52m when converting that into sterling.
Jauregizar would compete with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara in a busy second half of the campaign as Villa aim to go deep into the FA Cup, Europa League and secure a return into Europe’s elite competition after missing out on goal difference in controversial fashion last season.
They claimed at the time that Jauregizar was seen as a strong candidate to be the club’s third central defensive midfield player alongside Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo after Romeo Lavia’s recent injury woes.
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