‘Aston Villa can agree cut-price January deal for star Unai Emery already knows well’
Unai Emery could utilise personal links to complete another transfer at Aston Villa.
Villa have already brought in Brian Madjo and Alysson this winter, but are yet to make a senior addition to the first-team squad.
There have been many players of reported interest at Villa Park, with Tammy Abraham heavily linked with Villa at this stage.
Forward options are required after Donyell Malen left to join Roma, but it seems as if defensive reinforcements could also be on the cards.
With that in mind, Emery could delve into his own expertise and make a move happen on the cheap before the January window ends.
Unai Emery could finally sign Oscar Mingueza
Oscar Mingueza has been a long-term target for Villa as an ideal defensive option for Emery’s tactical approach.
The Spaniard has the ability to feature as a right-back or centre-back, a level of versatility that could be increasingly useful for the Villans.
Mingueza is also out of contract at the end of the season, so a deal could be there to be done with Celta Vigo.
Emery is said to know the player already, something which former Villa scout Bryan King has suggested could result in a cut-price January transfer.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “It will be Emery’s decision, he knows the player.
“There are only a few positions Villa need to strengthen in, and centre-back and right-back cover is one of those.
| Centre-backs options | Right-backs |
| Ezri Konsa (*) | Matty Cash |
| Pau Torres | Andres Garcia |
| Victor Lindelof | Lamare Bogarde (*) |
| Tyrone Mings | Ezri Konsa (*) |
| Lamare Bogarde (*) |
“I think Mingueza is one to look at on a free in the summer, unless they can agree a cut-price deal right now.
“He’s a good age, so he would be a good player to bring in.
“Working with Emery will be of interest to him, so if he decides to bring him in, he’ll be a very good signing for Villa.“
Mingueza is exactly what Aston Villa need
There may be clamour for a new forward at Villa Park, but that can’t take away from the potential of making improvements elsewhere.
Abraham will improve a light looking forward line, but defensive reinforcements certainly wouldn’t go amiss at this stage.
Mingueza could prove to be the perfect option as someone to challenge Matty Cash and provide something different to what Villa already have.
It looks as if a cheap deal can be agreed this winter as his current contract ticks down, with Celta Vigo potentially wary of losing him for nothing.
Emery could sell the project and potential of Champions League football to his fellow countryman and bring in a fresh face that could really help his side across the second half of the season.
Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.