Aston Villa: Mario Hermoso move ‘ticks another box’ for Unai Emery amid Fabrizio Romano update
Athletico Madrid star Mario Hermoso “ticks another box” for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery in the summer transfer window, according to Alan Hutton.
The Athletico Madrid defender, whose contract in Spain is set to expire at the end of the season, has reportedly received an offer from Villa which would see him join Unai Emery’s squad at Villa Park until 2028 [Sport Mediaset, 24 March].
Fabrizio Romano (27 March) has confirmed that the Spanish centre-back has not agreed on a new deal with Diego Simeone’s side but also said that neither Juventus nor Barcelona are in the hunt for his signature despite reports.
While Hutton has urged Emery and his recruitment team to not exclusively look at free agents, he has admitted that Hermoso has what it takes to slot into Villa’s defence in the Champions League in particular.
“I don’t think you always have to look there,” Hutton told Villa News.
“But if there’s a good deal to be had then why wouldn’t you? He’s an outstanding player, he’s been there a long period of time and we know how defensively solid they are.
“The way Villa play with a high line I think you need players who think of that constantly. It’s all about defending, being in the right areas of the pitch and communicating with different things like that.
“Villa are on the up, they’re trying to move forward year in and year out. They’re looking to get Champions League football and this will be a guy who has a lot of Champions League experience as well so that ticks another box.
“Yes, you can look at free agents and also try and spend a bit of money as well, but if you get a good deal over the line then perfect.”
Will Aston Villa win the race to secure Mario Hermoso transfer?
As Hutton suggested, Hermoso has shown throughout his time at Athletico Madrid that he is more than capable of slotting into a backline and being strong defensively, both in La Liga and the Champions League under Simeone.
That doesn’t mean that he will be the perfect fit at Villa Park, but with Tyrone Mings still recovering from injury and Clement Lenglet’s future up in the air, some added defensive cover could be incredibly useful at Villa Park.
While nothing is set in stone yet, this could be a deal to keep a close eye on in the coming weeks and months, especially as it seems unlikely Hermoso will agree new terms in Madrid at the moment.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton believes Emery will have been left enraged by what Leon Bailey did in the international break
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