Having joined Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the Spanish giants in pursuit of a 17-year-old midfielder who's already featured on Europe's biggest stage.
Aston Villa set to battle Real Madrid for teenage midfielder
It wasn't too long ago that goal-line technology was playing a part in Aston Villa's Premier League survival. Five years on from that controversial moment, however, they're no longer simply maintaining their top flight status, they're also keeping hold of their place in the Champions League after thrashing Club Brugge in the last 16.
Setting up a mouth-watering tie, the Villans will now square off against one of Unai Emery's former clubs in Paris Saint-Germain, before facing Arsenal or Real Madrid if they defy the odds by defeating the French champions.
Away from the action, meanwhile, those in the Midlands are also set to do battle against some of Europe's best. According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa are now racing Real Madrid to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from LOSC Lille this summer.
Duran-Aston-Villa-Champions-League Related
[Aston Villa's "world-class" star is already becoming Emery's new Duran](https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-have-found-their-new-duran-with-marco-asensio/ "Aston Villa's "world-class" star is already becoming Emery's new Duran")
Aston Villa may have already found their next Duran with this "world-class" ace
The central midfielder is still just 17 years old, but was handed a start against Borussia Dortmund in Lille's last 16 second-leg. Ultimately, the teenager found himself on the losing side, but the fact that he was given the nod at such a young age highlights just how talented he is.
That talent was always going to attract the likes of Madrid and Aston Villa though, potentially leaving Bouaddi with a decision to make this summer. Whether that ends in a trip to the Midlands remains to be seen, however.
"Immense" Bouaddi would be an upgrade on McGinn
At just 17 years old, Bouaddi is one of Europe's most promising stars and could emerge to already offer Emery an upgrade on John McGinn. Off the ball, the young Frenchman is particularly impressive, using his 6'1 frame to his advantage whilst also showing off his technical ability in possession - something Villa would have seen for themselves after sending their scouts.
League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref) Ayyoub Bouaddi John McGinn
Minutes 1,018 1,777
Progressive Passes 2.92 4.21
Tackles Won 2.57 0.91
Ball Recoveries 4.96 4.21
Whilst it's difficult to upgrade on the energy McGinn provides Villa, Bouaddi can do exactly that, winning more duels and tackles at a higher success rate, and should only get even stronger as edges closer and closer to the peak of his powers.
Described as a "superb" player and one with "immense physical potential" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aston Villa should sign Bouaddi before his price skyrockets beyond their range.
Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi celebrates with teammates after the match
Up against Real Madrid in the race to sign the French sensation, those in the Midlands can use the lure of the Premier League and Emery's project in an attempt to land an impressive coup this summer.