Aston Villa new signing to unravel in coming weeks with Lucas Digne exit likely due to FFP
Ty Bracey has suggested that Aston Villa don’t need to sign a left-back this summer but it may prove necessary to deal with FFP and wage concerns.
Lucas Digne is a player who has been linked with a move away from Villa Park many times with reports coming from the Daily Mail last summer (14 July).
There is a chance that Unai Emery and Monchi could look to move the Frenchman this summer to free up room on the wage bill.
He would need replacing and now a report by Alan Nixon via his Patreon (12 May) has suggested that Aston Villa and Manchester City are going head-to-head to sign Bradley Locko from Brest.
Villa podcaster Bracey believes although he wouldn’t want to sell Digne, swapping him for Locko could prove to be financially beneficial.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “I don’t think it is a position we need to improve but I’d say a position we need to do better in financially. It’s a very expensive position in the current squad.
“Lucas Digne is one of the top earners at the club so if we need to get that wage bill down, I don’t want to see Digne leave but he is on a substantial amount of money at Villa. I thoroughly enjoy having him at Villa but it’s one of those where it will be very expensive.
“If we can replace him for less money then I’m all for it. Digne hasn’t done anything to warrant not staying at Villa apart from his wages.
“I guess a move for Locko will unravel itself in the window. Digne’s been linked to Saudi in previous windows so we’ll see.“
Should Aston Villa sign Bradley Locko?
Locko has played his part in a historic season for Brest in Ligue 1 which has seen them achieve Champions League qualification.
The Frenchman featured in 33 of 34 league games in which he contributed to three assists without scoring a goal [FotMob].
This is the most appearances that he has made in his career across four seasons with Brest and Stade de Reims.
Locko’s main asset is his defensive mindset which sees him be a great tackler of the ball with him being dribbled past less than once per game this season.
With that being said, he is positive with the ball at his feet and he likes to dribble when he gets the chance. This saw him complete 56 dribbles throughout the campaign.
What sometimes lets Digne down is his defensive ability although his ability from crosses and set pieces offset that potential issue.
Given that Emery and Mochi may look to move him off the wage bill, Locko could prove to be a useful asset in the Spaniard’s system.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery preferred a strong starting XI v Crystal Palace over ‘hungry’ academy stars.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.