Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign a “fantastic” former Chelsea player alongside Tammy Abraham, with contract negotiations with the latter still ongoing.
Tammy Abraham’s villa negotiations are ‘complicated’
Despite Villa reportedly agreeing personal terms with Abraham, Villa’s signing faces major obstacles, with Unai Emery also exploring alternative attacking options.
David Ornstein reported that negotiations proved “complicated” due to Abraham’s loan in Turkey, especially the buyout obligations Besiktas owes from Rome.
David Ornstein: Aston Villa eye Premier League striker amid Abraham hurdle
The Villains may never reunite with their former star after all.
Villa officials traveled to Istanbul on Monday night to observe Abraham’s play and hold discussions with officials, but no solution was found.
The 28-year-old joined Besiktas on loan from Roma last summer, but has already met the necessary criteria for triggering a buyout obligation, complicating the possibility of him leaving in January (Sky Sports).
As a result, the Turkish side will need to agree alternative arrangements before Abraham returns to Villa Park.
Villa have turned to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in case a deal does not happen, identifying the French forward as a proven Premier League-ready replacement.
Ornstein admitted Villa’s interest in Mateta has increased in recent hours amid hurdles in signing Abraham.
The Palace striker is an interesting option for Emery after Donyell Malen left for Roma last week. Mateta played a key role in Palace’s historic FA Cup win last season, scoring 17 goals in 46 appearances.
He’s continued that to some degree this season with seven league goals, establishing himself as coach Oliver Glasner’s most reliable attacker.
That said, Villa are by no means giving up on Abraham and are continuing to negotiate, although they are considering their options.
According to journalist Graham Bailey, Emery has also been offered the chance to sign another former Chelsea star.
Aston Villa offer AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek
In fact, according to Bailey, Villa missed out on signing Conor Gallagher early on and the opportunity to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek has emerged.
The Englishman has been in and out of Milan’s starting XI this season and with his contract expiring next year, the Rossoneri are believed to be trying to find a buyer before losing Loftus-Cheek on a free transfer.
Loftus-Cheek is approaching 100 years since joining Milan in 2023, but with a return to the Premier League being touted, his time at the San Siro may be coming to an end.
Given his previous experience as an England international and Premier League star, Loftus-Cheek could be a viable replacement for Gallagher.
Speaking back in 2021, pundit Rio Ferdinand noted that Loftus-Cheek has shades of Yaya Toure at his best, calling the former Blue a “fantastic player” when he is at his best.
“I love him,” said Ferdinand.
“He’s first and foremost a great player. I liken him to Yaya Toure in his full flow, which we’re seeing now. When he turns and is at full strength, he can intimidate players.”
Loftus-Cheek has also had productive spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham during his career, and Villa could be next on Emery’s list if he so desires.
Better than Abraham: Aston Villa keen to sign ‘extraordinary’ £35m striker
The sensational striker would be an even better signing for Aston Villa than Abraham.
