Aston Villa are likely to bolster their ranks over the coming weeks ahead of a big 2024/25 campaign.
The Villans finished fourth in the Premier League to secure a Champions League spot, and they’ll need to strengthen to ensure they can handle the extra workload.
Villa have already been busy in the market, with discussions said to be taking place with Juventus over a potential cash-plus-player deal involving Douglas Luiz.
The Villans are also reportedly in talks to sell Jhon Duran to Chelsea. Should he leave, then they could look for a replacement.
Now, according to CaughtOffside, Villa are planning to launch a new bid to sign a player who has been described as “Messi-esque”.
The player in question is Juventus forward Matias Soule, who has returned to Turin on the back of a superb season on loan at Frosinone.
CaughtOffside say Villa, along with Brighton & Hove Albion and Roma, are expected to re-negotiate with Juve in order to try and reach an accord.
The report also claims West Ham are plotting a €30million (£25.3million) bid for Soule, but Juve want a fee closer to €45million (£38million) for his services.
Who is Aston Villa target Matias Soule?
Soule is a versatile 21-year-old forward who featured on the right wing, as a second striker and as a No. 10 last season.
The Argentine left-footer impressed on loan at Frosinone in 2023/24, bagging 11 goals and three assists from 32 Serie A outings.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout previously said the reported Villa target is a ‘Messi-esque’ talent who ‘can really produce magic’.
Meanwhile, Former Juventus player Davide Lanzafame told Tuttojuve in March: “He is a stratospheric player and for me it would be a mistake to sell him.
“He is having an incredible time at Frosinone, my hope is that he can stay in Turin and demonstrate his value.”
Villa will certainly fancy their chances of signing Soule this summer, with Champions League football on the cards for next term.