Aston Villa are now plotting a shock move for a "dangerous" midfielder, who manager Unai Emery is an admirer of, according to a report.
Villans' summer transfer plans taking shape
With just nine games left to play in the Premier League, Villa still have everything to play for, as Emery's side sit just four points adrift of the top four, while they will also still be dreaming of going all the way in the Champions League.
The Villans' run to the quarter-finals of Europe's elite competition may have hindered their Premier League campaign somewhat, however, given that they are not performing as well as last season, which indicates Emery needs to bring in additional depth this summer.
There is seemingly a focus on strengthening in attacking areas, with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke under consideration, while the Champions League quarter-finalists are also pushing to sign Barcelona's Ferran Torres.
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However, a new report from TEAMtalk has revealed Villa are also interested in signing a central midfielder, with a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma now being plotted.
It is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for Villa, and the Tottenham midfielder is now a confirmed target, with Emery keen to bring in new options in the middle of the park.
Spurs are willing to part ways with Bissouma this summer, given the midfielder's inconsistent form this season, and they are set to consider offers in the region of £35m.
Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma during the warm up before the match
Emery is said to be an admirer of the 28-year-old, with the Spaniard of the belief he can get the best out of him, and there is a feeling the Mali international could push Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana for a starting spot.
"Dangerous" Bissouma could reignite career at Villa Park
The central midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham this season, failing to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League in 2025, but there are still signs he could be a solid signing for Villa.
Despite failing to hold down a regular starting spot as of late, the former Brighton man ranks highly across some key metrics for midfielders over the past year, most notably impressing with his tackling ability.
Statistic Average per 90
Passes attempted 63.85 (84th percentile)
Pass completion % 89.8% (92nd percentile)
Tackles 3.15 (90th percentile)
Clearances 2.19 (85th percentile)
Having also been lauded as "dangerous" on the front foot by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, there are plenty of signs the Malian is a well-rounded midfielder, who could at the very least provide depth for Emery in midfield.
That said, a fee of £35m for Bissouma is too high, given that his contract is set to expire in 2026, and he only cost Tottenham £25m back in 2022, so Villa should try and negotiate a lower fee.