Fabrizio Romano shares Lino Sousa transfer update as Aston Villa see off Rangers competition for Arsenal teen

Wed 31 January 2024 17:10, UK Updated Mon 5 February 2024 19:02, UK

Aston Villa have seen off competition to win the race for Arsenal youngster Lino Sousa, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer expert posted on his personal Twitter page on Wednesday (31 January) that an agreement is in place for Sousa to join.

Rangers, Galatasaray and Juventus were also said to be interested in the 18-year-old, but he has elected for a move to Villa Park.

It marks a massive coup for the Villans as the England Under-19s international is highly thought of – hence the competition for his signature.

Sousa was part of the West Brom side that reached the 2021 Youth Cup semi-finals, with his performances earning him a move to Arsenal.

As reported by HITC in June 2022, Arsenal’s staff rated Sousa so highly that they considered fast-tracking him straight to the first team.

The Portuguese-born ace has been part of the senior picture for Arsenal during pre-season training camps and has been in matchday squads.

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While the youngster has yet to feature from the bench at senior level, the fact he is even in the picture for first-team opportunities at his age says a lot.

🚨🟣🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa agree deal to sign Lino Sousa from Arsenal on permanent move, here we go!

Agreement in place for 2005 born fullback who’s set to complete medical in the next hours.

Rangers, Galatasaray and Juve were keen but Sousa set to join #AVFC. pic.twitter.com/iHAOQxY0kh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2024

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Unai Emery is happy to turn to youngsters and it may well be that Sousa is in and around the senior squad should this deal be finalised.

As a left-back, he will have to see off competition from Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, which is easier said than done.

It is more likely that Sousa will feature for the Under-23s before eventually making the step up over the next 12 months or so.

Sousa can play a big part in helping Villa’s age-grade sides to success this season, as he has done at West Brom and Arsenal.

While the imminent arrival of Morgan Rogers will capture more headlines, this is yet another smart long-term signing for the Villans.

In other Aston Villa news, the Villans are reportedly on the verge of bringing in an Australian player.

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