Deeney makes ‘massive’ claim after what he’s told about Aston Villa transfer
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery may have a massive rebuilding job on his hands this summer.
The Villans have already said goodbye to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi, after their loan deals ended.
Villa may also be losing goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Now, it appears another first-team regular could be on his way out of the door at Villa Park.
Troy Deeney adds fuel to Digne transfer rumours
Lucas Digne has been linked with a move away from Villa Park ever since the season ended.
The French full-back is supposedly wanted by a handful of Premier League clubs, as well as some based elsewhere in Europe.
Now, while hosting the talkSPORT Breakfast Show (17 June), Troy Deeney has reacted to news that Digne is wanted by Atletico Madrid if they do not sign Andy Robertson.
“It’d be a massive upgrade on Villa,” he said.
Former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was co-hosting the show with Deeney, suggested that this move could be a good deal for both clubs.
He said: “I can see this happening. I can see [Ian] Maatsen having more of a say next season. Digne has been a good servant for Villa and Everton as well.”
Emery is the right man to mastermind a Villa rebuild
It might be worrying news for Villa fans to hear of so many first-team players planning their exits.
However, the sale of Digne might prove to be a smart bit of business.
The Frenchman is in his thirties now. His contract expires in 2026. If the club can attract a reasonable transfer fee for him now, it could make sense to cash in.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 45 | 3349 | 0 | 6 |
Overall, Digne has been a reliable performer for Villa, but he does have the occasional mistake in him. Ian Maatsen is a capable replacement as left-back, although some new competition for him in that position would be welcomed.
There’s a lot of first-team players potentially leaving this summer, but Villa supporters can take comfort in the fact that they have Emery masterminding the rebuild.
The Spaniard has proven he can build a team capable of competing with the best in the Premier League and Europe. Now, it’s up to the Villa board to give them the funds necessary to do that.