Aston Villa to hijack £20m Bournemouth move as deal almost done
Aston Villa could be set to steal a £20million-rated star from under the nose of Bournemouth.
The Villans are in for an interesting window as Monchi looks to compete with potential PSR worries in the West Midlands.
This could see a number of sales be utilised, but as it stands, focus is seemingly on bringing in new stars to help aid Unai Emery’s squad for next season.
With that in mind, Villa could be set to set to complete a shock move to hijack a deal from Bournemouth as the summer market comes into view.
Aston Villa ready Bournemouth transfer steal
There is no doubt that changes are going to be necessary at Villa Park as financial issues continue to rear their head in B6.
This could see a number of players on sizable wages be forced out, with the likes of Coutinho already looking likely to depart.
Another star whose salary may see their claret and blue stint cut short is Lucas Digne, who could find himself on the chopping block after three years.
This is largely due to the weekly spend that is required to maintain the France international’s services, which may be better spent elsewhere.
As a result, a new left-back option could be on the cards with Stade Rennais captain Adrien Truffert emerging as a target.
This has seen the Sun on Sunday report (8 June, page 59) that the Villans are keen on the 23-year-old despite Bournemouth being close to agreeing a £20m deal.
Emery’s side could make a quick swoop for the Frenchman to steal him from the Cherries at the last minute as the south coast club eyes a replacement for Milos Kerkez.
Truffert could replace Digne at Aston Villa
It does appear now that Ian Maatsen has taken up the role as first-choice right back in B6 after a shaky season at times.
The Netherlands international finally appears to have earned the trust of Emery as his overall performances continued to improve throughout the campaign.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Ian Maatsen | Lucas Digne |
| Appearances | 29 | 32 |
| Starts | 10 | 28 |
| Goal involvements | 3 | 4 |
| Duels won | 61 | 127 |
This could prove to be bad news for Digne, whose sizable wages won’t be acceptable as a backup option despite his experience and relationship with the Villa fans.
If the ex-Barcelona man is to depart, Truffert could prove to be a positive signing given his leadership qualities at just 23 years old.
This would only be made better by beating Bournemouth to his signing to help give the B6 club a leg up moving into the new season.