Unai Emery eyes £21m signing as Aston Villa hunt for ‘extra dose of creativity’ in January
Aston Villa are assessing their options as they move deeper into the January transfer window.
Alysson has already joined Villa from Gremio, but looks to be one for the future rather than a name to make a difference this campaign.
The Brazilian is yet to feature in a matchday squad in B6 and was once again absent as Villa drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace last time out.
Villa have also shown interest in Will Osula this winter, but any moves are likely to be opposed on financial grounds, just as they were in the summer.
That hasn’t stopped Unai Emery from drawing up his own targets, with further attacking reinforcements seemingly in the pipeline.
Unai Emery interested in Thiago Almada at Atletico Madrid
Villa have been linked to Thiago Almada in the past, but never made a move to sign the Argentina international.
Since leaving Atlanta United, the attacking midfielder has gone on to play for Lyon, Botafogo and now Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old has never quite rediscovered his spark from his MLS days, where he netted 13 and assisted 16 in his best campaign.
Almada is struggling for minutes at Atleti right now, and a move away from the Metropolitano Stadium looks to be on the cards.
Fichajes have reported direct interest from Emery, who is said to want “an extra dose of creativity” in his side to challenge the likes of Morgan Rogers and John McGinn.
The attacking midfielder is valued at £21million and could be let go by Diego Simeone’s side in the hope of balancing the books in the Spanish capital.
Who is Aston Villa target Thiago Almada?
The goalless draw against Crystal Palace proved that an addition to the Villans’ attacking area wouldn’t go amiss.
Emi Buendia struggled off the bench, so the introduction of a fellow countryman could provide the boost that is needed in B6.
Almada is a product of the Velez Sarsfield academy, where he made 45 senior appearances before making his superb switch to Atlanta.
His success in MLS prompted Botafogo to bring him, and their shared alliance with Lyon took him to France before his summer switch to Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine is famed for his ability on the ball, while having an eye for goal from both open play and from deadball situations.
Things may not be going his way at Atleti, but his LaLiga stats are still positive in limited minutes, so he could prove to be a superb pickup for Villa this winter.
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