Aston Villa to prioritise Emi Buendia cover, hunt now on for new midfield transfer – Sky Sports
Aston Villa are likely to prioritise cover for Emilian Buendia in the remaining weeks of the transfer market rather than Tyrone Mings, according to Rob Dorsett.
The Sky Sports journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (14 August), reported that the Villans are now actively in the hunt to sign a new attacking midfielder or winger as they look for reinforcement after Buendia’s unfortunate injury.
Both Mings and Buendia have been ruled out for an extended period of time following serious knee injuries to both players with the Argentinian ruled out for up to eight months, but Villa want to prioritise an attacking signing rather than a Mings cover.
Dorsett tweeted that Galatasaray winger Nicolo Zaniolo has emerged as a strong option, and according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano (11 August), the Villans have made a loan-to-buy offer for the Italian international.
“Aston Villa likely to prioritise cover for Emi Buendia rather than Tyrone Mings at this stage of the window,” Dorsett wrote.
“Hunt now on for an attacking midfielder/winger, with Nicolo Zaniolo at Galatasaray a strong option.”
Emery has Buendia covers right under his nose
It was incredibly damaging for Villa to lose such a vital player in Buendia with the new campaign having kicked off this past weekend, and it seems as if Emery has already stumbled across a quality replacement in Zaniolo.
The Italy international has endured a difficult past couple of seasons after emerging as one of Europe’s most highly coveted attacking talents a few years ago but enjoyed a decent half-season in Turkey last term registering five goals in 10 Turkish Super Lig games after his move from AS Roma in January.
It’s a surprise Galatasaray are already looking to sell him just eight months on but their loss could well be Aston Villa’s gain as the Italian looks to kickstart his career at the top level again.
The Villans could well be on the hunt for two signings in attacking midfield and in the wide areas but Emery may already have potential solutions right under his nose in Philippe Coutinho and exit-bound Aaron Ramsey.
The Brazilian has been linked with moves away this window but Buendia’s injury may well present him with an opportunity to impress Emery and the Villa Park faithful.
One man’s misfortune could well lead to another man’s opportunity and Emery could save millions by entrusting the former Barcelona man again.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have a crucial decision to make on one bright academy teenager who looks ready for first-team exposure this season.