Aston Villa have ace up their sleeve to sign Bryan Cristante as £26m+ January transfer update emerges
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…
Monchi is Aston Villa’s ace in their sleeve if it comes to a transfer battle to sign Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante, according to Alan Hutton.
Italian news outlet TV Play reported on 19 November that Villa, Tottenham and West Ham are all interested in the 28-year-old Italy international, who could leave Roma in January if an offer of over £26million (€30m) is made for him.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly desperate to keep the former AC Milan and Benfica midfielder, who Aston Villa sporting director Monchi signed while at Roma in 2018.
Hutton believes having Monchi in the boardroom could help Villa beat their Premier League rivals to signing Cristante as they continue to upgrade their squad under Unai Emery.
When asked if he thinks the rumour may have legs, Hutton told Villa News: “Yes, I think so.
“Cristante has admirers in the Premier League and there are other clubs tracking him as well so it’ll be an interesting one.
“Villa have got that link with Monchi, who’s signed him before. Is that something that could help? I think it could.
“If Villa are going to kick on then they’re obviously going to strengthen.
“In the midfield, they don’t tend to change it that often but when you factor in another versatile midfielder that can play all the way along, that helps.
“I think it’s something Villa will look to do.”
Cristante has played every minute of every Serie A match this season for Roma.
He’s played in the centre of the midfield, as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back for Mourinho, so it’s no surprise to see that the ex-Chelsea boss doesn’t want to lose the Italian Euro 2020 winner.
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