Aston Villa to consider summer Brais Mendez transfer as Real Sociedad exit update emerges
Aston Villa will consider a move for Real Sociedad’s Brais Mendez having decided against making Nicolo Zanilolo’s stay permanent, according to Alan Hutton.
The Italian international spent last season on loan at Villa Park but struggled to hold down a consistent place in Unai Emery’s starting XI and now looks set to return to Italy this summer with Atalanta [Fabrizio Romano, 1 July].
But the Villa boss is still eager to add to his midfield options ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign, with reports suggesting the Villans have enquired about the availability of 27-year-old Mendez [Express, 22 June].
Although Hutton believes Emery needs several new options before leading his side into Europe next term, he believes the Sociedad star has what it takes to make a real impact at Villa Park next season.
“I think so,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“A lot of the targets that you see play in those attacking areas if you like. Zaniolo didn’t work and it looks like he’s gone back and will do whatever he does in the future so that’s not really a goer for me so they’re looking at different options.
“I always thought they would and I’ve always said that Buendia’s coming back as well and I think he’s a very good addition back into the squad, but they’re going to need options.
“It is going to be a difficult season, to go through this season again and end up back in the top four, play in the Champions League is a lot, it’s going to be very difficult and they’re going to need a very strong squad.
“We saw after a few injuries towards the back end of last season I thought they struggled a little bit so again they need options.
“I’m sure he would come in and do a really good job.”
Are Aston Villa close to any new signings in the summer transfer window at Villa Park?
As Hutton suggests, the return of Emi Buendia during pre-season will be a massive boost to Emery in the coming weeks, but the Argentine is coming off of a big injury and may take some time to get back to his best.
Whilst Enzo Barrenechea is another exciting addition in midfield, the former Juventus man hasn’t proven himself in the Premier League or managed to hold down a consistent spot in the starting XI during his time in Turin.
Last season, Mendez managed to register 11 goal contributions in just 32 league games last term and as an experienced campaigner and international, he will add a bit of much-needed experience and know-how to Emery’s side.
Hopefully, Villa will manage to beat the other interested parties to his signature this summer as it would be a very positive addition to Emery’s squad.
In other Aston Villa news, a summer swap deal has been mooted with Inter Milan and the Villans for Denzel Dumfries and Matty Cash
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