Aston Villa now look set to miss out on one transfer target this summer as the player is close to joining a different club.
Unai Emery and Monchi will be hopeful of delivering the majority of Aston Villa’s transfer targets this summer.
The Villans are seeking reinforcements to bolster their squad ahead of their 2024/25 Champions League quest.
That being said, the Midlands club must adhere to financial rules as Villa have concerns over PSR.
Encouragingly, Emery was linked to a free transfer ahead of the opening of the transfer window although such move now looks to be in doubt.
Aston Villa set to miss out on transfer target Mario Hermoso
Last month, Villa were linked to Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who is set to become a free agent this summer.
The Spaniard could have been the perfect acquisition at Villa Park based on his transfer status and what he could offer the squad.
Now, it looks as though a deal will not be struck between Villa and Hermoso, as Napoli are closing in on the Spaniard.
As reported by journalist Rudy Galetti, ‘talks’ are in the ‘advanced stage’ with only the ‘key details’ left to discuss, with no mention of Villa’s interest.
It’s a shame for Villa, who could have captured a high-quality free transfer in Hermoso, meaning their search for a defender must continue.
Villa must sign a defender this summer
Links to Hermoso were encouraging based on his adaptability in defence and how he would suit Emery’s style of play.
Deployable both at centre-back and left-back, the 28-year-old has a skill set that mirrors the versatility of Ezri Konsa, being a defensively flexible player.
With Clement Lenglet likely to leave, Tyrone Mings returning from an ACL tear and Diego Carlos’ future in doubt, Villa must prioritise signing a defender this summer.
Added to that, there has been speculation that Matty Cash is a wanted man in Serie A, hinting that Villa may need several defensive reinforcements before the 2024/25 campaign commences.
While a total agreement between Napoli and Hermoso hasn’t been reported yet, it looks unlikely that the Midlands club will now strike a deal, based on the development of Napoli’s interest.
Several midfield talents have been linked to Villa Park already this summer, with there now hope that the same attention will be soon placed on stabilising the back line.
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