Sky Sports: Nicolo Zaniolo arrives for Aston Villa medical ahead of season-long loan
Nicolo Zaniolo has arrived in Birmingham to undergo a medical with Aston Villa ahead of completing a move from Galatasaray, according to Sky Sports.
The Villans upped their interest in the Italy international after Emi Buendia last week sustained a training-ground injury that will likely keep him out for the rest of the season.
Sky Sports has reported on their transfer blog on Wednesday [16 August, 13:35] that a deal is now edging ever closer as a medical has been pencilled in for Zaniolo.
The report adds that negotiations still need to be finalised on what is expected to be an initial season’s loan.
A good fit
Zaniolo is capable of playing in a number of midfield positions, which will no doubt come in handy for Emery as he looks to swiftly find a replacement for Buendia.
The 24-year-old’s career has stalled somewhat in recent times, not helped by injury issues, and he left Roma for Galatasaray in rather acrimonious circumstances in February.
A return of five goals in 10 Super Lig appearances goes a long way to show that the Italian still has plenty to offer, albeit with the Premier League a step up in terms of quality.
With the deal now on the verge of being finalised, Emery will hope to have Zaniolo available for selection ahead of Sunday’s visit of Everton, which is already looking an important match after losing 5-1 to Newcastle United on the opening weekend.
Wherever it is he is fielded, Zaniolo will undoubtedly provide some additional quality to Villa’s midfield for the rest of the season and potentially beyond.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery has been backed to get the most out of Zaniolo once the transfer officially goes through.