Aston Villa told to pay £42m to sign Benfica ace Fredrik Aursnes as contract news emerges
Aston Villa must pay the release clause for Benfica ace Fredrik Aursnes if they are to secure the midfielder’s signature, according to Record.
Aursnes has a release clause of £42million, but the Portuguese side are currently in negotiations with the 27-year-old over a contract extension that would see any buy-out clause increased.
Unai Emery’s side approached Benfica regarding the Norwegian international, which reportedly motivated the club to enter contract negotiations as to avoid losing the player.
Villa’s midfield revolution?
Villa are entering their first season in European competition since their 2011/12 Europa League campaign. Under Emery, the Villans have looked a completely revitalised side after Steven Gerrard, and they have been rewarded with a spot in the Europa Conference League.
Now, they are looking to bolster their depth in order to compete in both Europe and domestically, and their latest search for a midfield upgrade is Aursnes.
Villa have already completed the signing of FA Cup-winning Leicester City star Youri Tielemans on a free at the start of the transfer window, but Emery is clearly looking to add quality throughout the squad.
However, Benfica do not seem to be in a selling mood and securing the transfer may prove difficult for Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris.
But it is clear why the Primeira Liga winners are reluctant to let Aursnes go.
He was vital in the club’s league success, but also played a massive role in getting the team to the Champions League quarterfinal which ended in defeat to finalists Inter Milan.
A glance at his stats also shows why Emery would be excited at having the former Feyenoord man at Villa Park. Aursnes is in the 95th percentile for attempt passes, showing that he is a key influence in any game he plays. His progressive passes are just as impressive with 5.4 per 90 which places him in the 94th percentile [FBRef].
He certainly fits the profile of an Emery player with his ability, and at 27 years old he brings experience.
However, Villa will have to negotiate shrewdly with the player of they are to secure his signature while Benfica do not look like losing the player without a fight.
In other Aston Villa news, new stats justify John McGinn contract extension at Villa park.