Aston Villa ‘to accept Lucas Digne bid’ as final transfer fee mooted – Exclusive
Lucas Digne is set to leave Aston Villa this summer as Unai Emery attempts to lower the wage bill.
Digne joined Villa from Everton in January 2022 for £25million, and has more than paid off his transfer fee in terms of performances over the last three and a half years.
The Frenchman has been an ever-present for the Villans and key to Emery’s success. However, the former Barcelona man turns 32 next month and only has one year left on his contract.
With Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens taking desperate measures to combat PSR issues, Villa are keen to move on high-earning players like Digne.
Galatasaray are interested in signing Digne
There has been no shortage of interest in Digne, with Atletico Madrid reportedly exploring a move for the 31-year-old earlier in the window.
As reported by Footmercato (25 June), Galatasaray are the latest club to approach Villa for the left-back’s signature, and are also exploring a deal for his teammate Emiliano Martínez.
And ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes an offer of somewhere between £5-10m will be accepted.
“Digne is 31 years old now,” King said.
“He also only has one year left on his contract. Therefore, Villa obviously feel as though this might be the time to sell. If the offer is good, I think Villa will be ready to accept.
“I think they will be looking for somewhere between £5-10m for Digne.”
Emery’s work cut out at Villa
Emery’s presence and clear vision for the Claret and Blues since his arrival has seen Villa kick on.
It looked as if there was alignment and a clear goal from top to bottom, but financial issues are threatening to derail the whole project.
It is hard to tell whether even Emery knows what his squad will look like come the first game of the season, and which of his trusted lieutenants will still be by his side.
The Spaniard will have his work cut out to not only reformat the new-look squad but also to reinstate belief that Villa can once again make a push towards UEFA Champions League qualification.
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