Aston Villa have submitted an enquiry for a ‘terrific’ Lucas Digne upgrade who Pep Guardiola rates highly.
The summer transfer window has got off to a flying start for Aston Villa with Unai Emery and Monchi close to sanctioning their first deal.
Douglas Luiz has agreed personal terms ahead of a move to Juventus that will see Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie head to the Premier League.
Villa’s PSR concerns will be somewhat alleviated by the Brazilian’s departure, although he isn’t the only player close to leaving, with striker Jhon Duran being granted permission to speak to Chelsea.
The interesting part about the deal that could see the 20-year-old head to Stamford Bridge is the condition that the Villans receive a player in return.
Fabrizio Romano has ruled out that being target Conor Gallagher, who will decide his future in West London after Euro 2024, with it now emerging that a different Chelsea player is on their radar.
Aston Villa submit ‘enquiry’ for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen
According to the Telegraph, Villa have submitted an enquiry for Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City have previously closely followed the Dutch dynamo, with 90min revealing that Pep Guardiola was a ‘big fan’ of the youngster.
Dortmund did initially show an interest in the 22-year-old after he helped them reach the Champions League final, although the German giants were unwilling to meet Maatsen’s £35 million release clause, as per the report, opening the door for Villa to swoop.
Despite enquiring about the Dutchman’s availability, it is claimed Emery will only purchase a player from Stamford Bridge this summer if Duran is sold to West London.
Villa have been forced into selling the highly-rated striker to comply with PSR, and while it would be a blow to lose a player of his potential, it would be softened by Maatsen moving in the other direction.
Ian Maatsen would be an upgrade on Lucas Digne
Although left-back isn’t a priority for Emery this summer with Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne occupying that position, a long-term replacement for both players wouldn’t go amiss.
Digne and Moreno have previously been linked with moves away and if the right offer came in, the Spaniard would perhaps consider selling either player.
It’s clear that, while they’re both good options, Maatsen would be an upgrade on both but the Frenchman in particular, who ranks below the Villa target for several defensive and attacking metrics.
A side-by-side graphic shown by AVFC Scout on X depicts Maatsen outperforming Digne across every single statistic apart from aerials won, assists and shot-creating actions.
The Chelsea left-back outranks the Villa star for pass completion per 90, progressive passes, progressive carries, shots, blocks, tackles and interceptions.
Lauded as “terrific” by former manager Vincent Kompany during his loan spell at Burnley in the 2022/23 campaign, it is clear that as an all-round defender, Maatsen is the upgrade on Digne that Emery could crave.
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