Aston Villa are now leading the hunt to sign a "ridiculously talented" playmaker in the summer, despite interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Villa eyeing new attacking midfielder amid Buendia's dip in form
Emiliano Buendia hasn't managed to hit the heights expected of him over the past few months, recording just one goal contribution in his last 16 Premier League outings, while Stan Collymore has also been critical of Morgan Rogers recently.
Rogers hasn't been at his best of late, with the Englishman without a goal or an assist in his last six league games, and there are doubts about his long-term future at Villa Park, as it was recently revealed Arsenal could have a £100m bid accepted this summer.
Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa
Chelsea and Liverpool have also been named as potential suitors for the attacking midfielder, which means Unai Emery may need to bring in a replacement in the summer, and the race for a Turkish Super Lig star is starting to heat up...
Aston Villa leading hunt to sign new playmaker
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now leading the hunt to sign Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara, despite rival interest from Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and AFC Bournemouth.
Villa and the Magpies have been making checks on the Brazilian playmaker, who would be keen on a return to England, having previously played for Norwich City in the Championship.
Previously valued at around £15m, Sara views a move to the Premier League as ideal, and the Villans are targeting a new attacking midfielder amid the uncertainty surrounding Buendia's future, with former scout Bryan King saying: "Does he need a new challenge now? If those things are joined together, it may be time for him to leave. I think he could be moved on, let’s put it that way."
Emiliano-Buendia
The ex-Norwich star certainly impressed during his previous stint in England, with scout Ben Mattinson singling him out for high praise on X.
Since then, the Brazilian maestro has gone on to establish himself as a vital player for Galatasaray, chipping in with eight goals and 13 assists in 84 matches for the Turkish side.
Sara, who recently earned his first call-up to the Brazil national side, could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, and should Buendia depart this summer, the 26-year-old could be an exciting replacement.
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