Credit: Hasan Karim

Kyrenia Shipillis

Tue 20 May 2025 12:45, UK

Aston Villa are already looking at enlisting the services of Nantes star Nathan Zeze to help strengthen their squad this summer.

Villa could qualify for the UEFA Champions League if they triumph against Manchester United in a must-win game at Old Trafford on Sunday (25 May).

Even if they don’t qualify for the Champions League, the Villans will still play in Europe next season and have already begun making provisions for the summer window.

With Nantes ready to sell Zeze this summer, Villa may have a golden opportunity to expand their squad for the new season.

Bournemouth make offer to sign Aston Villa target Zeze

As reported by Ouest France (20 May, page 19), Nantes need to sell Zeze for at least £34million this summer, with Aston Villa keeping an eye on the situation.

This need to sell could lead to a quick sale.

However, Villa face competition from Everton, RB Leipzig, Como and UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have already made a verbal offer worth around £16million, although Nantes want more.

Villa should make a move for Zeze

While Villa are already making plans for the summer, to prepare for the future, they need to begin investing in the youth of tomorrow.

France is renowned for producing world-class defenders, with the Premier League’s William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate two of the best centre-backs in the world.

Meanwhile, Axel Disasi is another Frenchman playing in the Premier League, and the defender could make his stay with Villa permanent after joining Emery’s side on loan from Chelsea in the winter transfer window.

Whether Disasi stays or leaves, Villa would benefit from tapping into the French market, and Zeze would make an excellent addition for the future. He is still only 19 years old, but has already picked up valuable experience at a high level in Europe, which makes him a promising option for the present and future.