Aston Villa ‘to make u-turn’ on Lucas Digne transfer after new update
Aston Villa are facing a tough summer transfer window.
Unai Emery had a strong season with Aston Villa, fighting on three fronts in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
However, his side seemingly peaked just too soon, and the Villans ended up finishing the season sixth, missing out on another year at the UEFA top table.
With the West Midlands outfit now having to settle for a place in the Europa League next season, Emery has a monumental task on his hands this summer.
PSR restrictions are hanging over the heads of the Villans and therefore, there are likely to be several exits over the transfer window.
Aston Villa exits lining up
With Villa needing to bring money into the club this summer, there have been several players backed to make the move away from Villa Park this summer.
Emi Martinez has been linked with a move for some time, and after being sent off on the final day of the season, it could well have been a goodbye.
With concerns over Lucas Digne’s wages, too, there have been suggestions that he could also be heading for the exit door.
However, the latest exit to be mooted is Alex Moreno, who spent the season on loan with Nottingham Forest.
Having only made 15 Premier League appearances, his loan club are not looking to extend his services this summer.
However, it has been reported by Foot Mercato (9 June) that Moreno is attracting interest from Sunderland, Burnley, Real Betis and Real Sociedad.
The left-back is about to enter the final year of his contract at Villa Park, and a fee of just over £5million could be on the cards for the West Midlands outfit if they part ways.
Mackem News were not convinced by the links with Sunderland after promotion, with a full squad rebuild seemingly on the cards at the Stadium of Light.
Aston Villa cannot panic sell Digne
It’s understandable that Aston Villa could be looking at Digne as a potential exit this summer, given the amount of money they could free up.
However, there is also a great chance to win the Europa League and push for Champions League football once more next season, so Emery cannot lose all of his strongest players.
Digne has been a solid part of the Aston Villa side for some time now, performing consistently in claret and blue and would be a big loss.
| Season | Appearances |
| 2024/25 | 32 |
| 2023/24 | 33 |
| 2022/23 | 28 |
Although Ian Maatsen would be a suitable replacement at left-back, if Moreno leaves the West Midlands too, then the boss will suddenly be short of options.
At this stage, if the interest for the 32-year-old is there, then Villa must cash in on someone who will soon be out of contract.
However, no panic decisions can be made.
Rather, Villa may need to make a u-turn and hold off striking any deals for Digne until a suitable replacement is found.