Nicolo Zaniolo spotted in Solihull at Aston Villa medical, BBC pundit reacts to imminent Villa Park transfer
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton believes Aston Villa are singing a very “technically-gifted” player in Nicolo Zaniolo as the Galatasaray midfielder undergoes a medical in the West Midlands.
Sky Sports reported via their Transfer Centre on Wednesday (16 August, 01:35pm) that the 24-year-old has arrived in Birmingham for a medical and to finalise talks over what could be a season-long loan deal.
It is understood that Unai Emery moved to sign the Italy international as cover for Emi Buendia because he’s now likely to miss most of the new 2023/24 season.
Twitter user Christian Allsopp has since spotted Zaniolo in Knowle, Solihull at the Heath Lodge Clinic.
When asked if Emery can get the best out of Zaniolo, Hutton told Villa News: “I think so.
“Emery’s got those kinds of qualities about him where he lets the players be free and be dynamic but also structured.
“When Zaniolo was at Roma, he looked like a very technically-gifted player.
“He’s kind of like Buendia because he picks up those positions on the pitch and he’s allowed to go and express himself.
“He’s the kind of player the manager will be looking for and I’m pretty sure that given the time and effort put into him, he’ll be able to shine.”
Zaniolo is an attacking midfielder who has missed Galatasaray’s last four games with a groin strain.
The ex-Inter Milan attacker, who’s been capped 13 times for Italy, played 28 times in all competitions across spells at both Roma and Galatasaray last term, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists.
In other Aston Villa news, competition is needed at Villa Park amid contact to sign this World Cup-winning Argentinean.