Aston Villa are said to have honed in on their main left-back target after being dealt a big blow in the midfield. Unai Emery is building his squad for a return to the Champions League, and he has been hit with a major blow with the apparent loss of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, with the midfielder on his way to Old Trafford.
Tielemans has been a monumental part of Villa's recent success, but he now moves on, leading Villa to the signing of Switzerland international Johan Manzambi. But Emery has other concerns beyond the midfield, and a new left-back is to be sourced, with Lucas Digne now 32 years of age.
Aston Villa decide on former Unai Emery favourite
Pervis Estupinan
According to Fabrizio Romano, Emery has decided to sign his former Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupiñán, who is currently at AC Milan. Romano posted on X: "Pervis Estupiñán, high on Aston Villa three-men short list at left back. He’s already worked with Emery at Villarreal and deal is on with #AVFC, talks ongoing."
Estupiñán played a key part in Villarreal winning the Europa League under Emery, and he then went on to join Brighton, playing a key role there and earning a big move to AC Milan in 2025. The 28-year-old has made 19 league appearances for Milan, who had a disappointing season of last, missing out on the Champions League, but Estupiñán could yet end up playing in UEFA's premier competition.
Milan bought Estupiñán for £17million, so it's likely he would be available for an affordable fee this summer, especially with Milan missing out on the Champions League.
Estupiñán a 'very smart' full-back
Brighton & Hove Albion's Pervis Estupinan
Brighton & Hove Albion's Pervis Estupinan
AC Milan legend Cafu said of Estupiñán prior to his arrival in Italy: "I’ve seen him several times in World Cup qualifiers, and he’s very good. He’s a perfect fit for Milan. His speed, his ability to push forward, and the fact that he’s not afraid to take personal initiative when the team needs it.”
Prior to that, then Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “I must admit that Pervis is one of the most crucial players for us because he started from left-back, but you can find him in a striker position. He’s very smart, he’s one of our secrets I think.”
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