Unai EmeryUnai Emery
Unai Emery | AFP via Getty Images
Aston Villa have an important summer ahead of them on the transfer front
They missed out on the top five in the last campaign which was disappointing. That means that they will be competing in the Europa League instead. Manchester United beat them 2-0 at Old Trafford on the final day.
Aston Villa eye Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez
According to Spanish news outlet ED, Aston Villa are interested in Real Betis ace Jesus Rodriguez. The player has a release clause in the region of €50m (£42m) and is believed to be a wanted man. The report adds that his current team need to raise funds as they look to try and sign Antony from United on a permanent basis.
Rodriguez, 19, could be seen by Villa as someone to boost their attacking ranks. If he made the switch to Villa Park, he would give them more competition and depth going forward. In addition, his young age means he has plenty of potential to get better down the line.
The Spain youth international has risen up through Betis’ academy and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He initially broke into their B team and became an important player before making the step up into the senior picture. The Seville-born man has now made 31 first-team appearances in all competitions and has scored three goals.
What now for Aston Villa target Jesus Rodriguez at Real Betis?
It would be a shame for Betis to lose Rodriguez, especially after his impressive development over recent times. However, if his price tag is matched, there is nothing they can do. He could prove to be a shrewd addition in the long run for Aston Villa if they can get it done.
Antony has been a hit on loan with the La Liga club since his January move from United. Betis are understood to be interested in landing him on a full-time basis but need more money. That means they may well be forced to cash in on Rodriguez.
Emery was disappointed to see Villa fall short in their pursuit of Champions League football last month. After their defeat against United, he said: “Today, we lost the opportunity, but we didn’t deserve more. We started the match today, poor in our performances, collectively and individually.
“It was the key moment for the sending off of Emiliano Martínez and, of course, after it, we needed to be resilient, we needed to defend, we needed to defend low block, goalkeeper, and believe in our moment to get some attacking actions, or some corners.
“We scored one goal, and normally this goal, if the referee was under his control, this moment, to wait before to whistle this action, I think it was a goal, after VAR. We watched on the TV. But we are making mistakes, the players, they are making mistakes and the referees, sometimes they are making mistakes. We have to accept it. We lost and we didn’t deserve more.”
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