Aston Villa are on the lookout for an “outstanding” player ahead of the summer transfer window, and competition to sign him is currently heating up.
Villa step up pursuit of defenders as form declines
Villa have been in poor form in the Premier League as the season draws to a close, winning just one of their last five games, with the 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out likely to be a particular cause for concern.
Manager Unai Emery was satisfied with his team’s performance in the first 45 minutes, but he lamented the lack of chances. “We played really well in the first half. We didn’t score, but we created chances to score, we created enough chances to score, we dominated, we didn’t concede a goal.
“Then in the second half when they scored, the game completely changed. We tried, but the rhythm always stopped.”
Ollie Watkins failed to register a single shot on target all game, and the England international is not at his best with just one goal in his last seven Premier League games, suggesting bringing in a new striker this summer could be a wise move.
However, TEAMtalk reports that Aston Villa are also keen to strengthen at the other end of the pitch, with Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza under scrutiny.
Villa have been in constant contact to sign Emery’s favored right-back, but competition is currently heating up with Newcastle United and Everton also said to be interested.
All three Premier League teams sent representatives to watch the Spaniard play at the weekend, and he produced an eye-catching performance against Girona, assisting Celta Vigo’s opening goal in a 2-1 win.
Oscar Mingueza vs Girona key stats | completed number |
tackle | 2 |
Duel (win) | 7(4) |
exact path | 44/48 (92%) |
‘Excellent’ Mingueza could push Cash into starting role
The 26-year-old is effective at both ends of the pitch, creating 20 chances, the second-highest of any Celta Vigo side in La Liga this season, and also ranks second with an average of 2.3 tackles per 90.
The four-cap Spain international, described as a “fantastic” player by journalist Sid Lowe, also has a keen eye for goal, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 38 La Liga games last season.
Matty Cash has scored three goals this season, but the Poland international has averaged just 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, suggesting Mingueza could be an upgrade from a defensive standpoint.
The former Barcelona player could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad and Aston Villa should have a good chance of winning the race for his signature, given they are still in a solid position to qualify for the Champions League.
