‘Monchi must move now’ as bombshell £42.5m update emerges away from Aston Villa
Monchi has the chance to start the transfer window with a bang at Aston Villa.
The President of Football Operations is set for a busy few months in B6 as he looks to build a squad ready for the new Premier League campaign.
With domestic and Europa League action on the horizon, a number of additions will be required even as Nassef Sawiris and Co. struggle with PSR restraints.
Even with that in mind, Monchi could still kick off the summer in perfect fashion after a big-money development emerged elsewhere.
Monchi in £42.5m Jesus Rodriguez update at Aston Villa
There is still a number of days until the window opens up, but that hasn’t stopped a number of names be linked with a Villa Park switch.
It is clear that Unai Emery is keen on adding to his squad in a number of areas, although attacking reinforcements appear to be a priority.
This has already seen Alejandro Garnacho be linked away from Manchester United as an exit appears to be on the cards out of Old Trafford.
The Argentina international may be an option in B6, but instead, Monchi could turn his attention to a fellow countryman.
This has seen Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez be linked with an Aston Villa move as talks have already begun with the La Liga side [Fabrizio Romano, 13 June].
Now, the Sunday Mirror have reported (15 June, page 68) that the Spain Under-21 international has a £30million release clause in his current deal.
Alarms must now ring in the Midlands as this fee could soon rise to £42.5m based on performance based criteria at Betis in the future.
With that in mind, Monchi must now move quickly to complete a deal for Rodriguez at what looks to be a cut-price figure.
Rodriguez could join Aston Villa for £30m
The Villans are in need of pace and attacking threat on the flanks after the departure of Marcus Rashford at the end of his loan spell.
This could see the 2005-born Spaniard represent an ideal option for the future, especially with this clause in his contract at the Villamarin Stadium.
| Stat (LaLiga 24/25) | Jesus Rodriguez |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Successful dribbles | 30 |
| Duels won | 87 |
| Fouls won | 38 |
It will now be down to Monchi to swoop in at the Seville club in what could be the first signing for a fee, after the free transfer of Zepiquno Redmond.
This could represent an excellent piece of business in B6, especially with the likes of Chelsea, RB Leipzig and Napoli also showing an interest in the winger.