Unai Emery is reportedly hoping to bolster his side's midfield options.placeholder image
Unai Emery is reportedly hoping to bolster his side's midfield options. | AFP via Getty Images
Aston Villa are ‘not particularly happy’ with Lucas Digne’s recent performances this season
Aston Villa are ‘expected’ to look for a replacement for Lucas Digne this summer after being left underwhelmed with his recent performances this season.
This isn’t the first time the left-back has been linked with a move away from Villa Park. Last summer, Atletico Madrid were heavily linked with Digne but ultimately failed to reach the reported £10 million asking price Villa were holding out for.
Digne is under contract at Villa Park until 2028 but he could be moved on at the end of this season as Unai Emery’s side look for something fresh at left-back.
Lucas Digne could be replaced at Aston Villa
According to Villa’s former chief scout Mick Brown, the club will likely look to sign a replacement for Digne this summer. The France international turns 33 this July and concerns over his age and recent performances have led to the Villans considering his departure.
“I expect Villa will be looking to replace Digne. I’m told they’re not particularly happy with how he’s been playing recently, and if they can identify somebody to come in and replace him, they’ll want to do it,” Brown told Football Insider.
“Left-back is a position Emery wants to strengthen in, so I expect they’ll do it in the summer.”
Digne has played in all but three Premier League games so far this season. However, his starting tally is not far off Ian Maatsen, as Emery has been rotating between the two as his starting left-back throughout the campaign.
“Digne isn’t a bad player, but he’s also not a real top player either,” Brown continued. “If Villa want to be a top team, he’s somebody they need to improve on. So if somebody comes in for him in the summer, I think they’ll see what they can get for him.
“It might be something he’s open to as well at this stage of his career, because at some point you have to make a decision about what level you can still perform at.”
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