Jorge Mendes tasked with striking last-ditch Aston Villa transfer agreement

Aston Villa are not to be underestimated in the transfer window as the 1 September deadline nears.

Unai Emery needs more signings at Villa as he hopes to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League this season.

Current target Nicolas Jackson could become one of Villa’s most expensive signings if he arrives before deadline day. 

However, Villa have been known to cut transfers close in the past. But they could now have an unexpected end to an uneventful window.

Unai Emery slammed his players as "lazy"
Credit: Imago

Villa could activate Marco Asensio deal in final days of window

If it were up to Unai Emery, Marco Asensio would have been a Villa player at the beginning of the summer.

The Spaniard enjoyed the rest of the 2024/25 season on loan at Villa Park from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, their uphill battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) meant that negotiating a fee with PSG in June was near impossible.

But Villa are keen on signing Asensio on a permanent move this summer, and there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.

As reported by The Athletic on Friday, 22 June, the Spain international remains hopeful that the Villans in the final days of the market will become an active possibility once more.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, is tasked with arranging a deal, and it is not believed that personal terms will be an issue.

Former Aston Villa loanee Marco Asensio celebrates a goal.
credit: Imago

Who would Asensio replace at Villa?

As someone whom Cristiano Ronaldo respected, Asensio would undoubtedly improve Villa’s level once again.

Despite his limited time at Villa, he made a noticeable impact. In 13 appearances in the Premier League last season, he netted three goals and provided one assist.

Noticeably, Asensio formed a formidable duo with Marcus Rashford, who was also on loan from Manchester United.

For the most part, Asensio played behind either Rashford or Ollie Watkins last season. He thrived on the freedom given to him by Unai Emery, and this is something not expected to change if he signs permanently.

As such, it is less of a question of who he replaces and more of who will be forced to step aside in the lineup. All signs point to Amadou Onana, with Youri Tielemans slotting beside Boubacar Kamara to form the defensive pivot.

But if Asensio lands at Villa Park, there is no doubt that the Villans would be stronger and better for it.

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