Despite attention being elsewhere, Aston Villa have not given up their pursuit of one rumoured transfer target.
The summer transfer window has exploded into action at Villa Park, as Unai Emery and Monchi navigate the market to ease Aston Villa’s PSR concerns.
First, the sales of both Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran are poised to happen, while several players are expected to arrive in B6.
Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea are those being spoken about heavily at Villa although, it’s now been revealed that Monchi is not giving up on one other target.
Aston Villa are not giving up on signing Sporting CP sensation Pedro Goncalves
To add to Villa’s attacking set-up, it’s believed that the Midlands club are still pursuing a swoop for Sporting CP star Pedro Goncalves.
A report from O Jogo details that Villa ‘won’t let go’ of the attacking midfielder, who has a release clause of €80m (£68m) in place in Lisbon.
According to the Portuguese outlet, Monchi is ‘waiting to understand’ the market conditions to sign Goncalves, with the hope that a price lower than his release clause could be agreed.
Given Pote’s importance to Ruben Amorim’s side, there was an understanding that he would not exit for anything less than his release clause although, O Jogo details Villa’s expectation that some ‘flexibility’ will be shown.
The 25-year-old contributed to 35 goals over the 2023/24 campaign for Sporting, reinforcing why the Portuguese champions do not want to see him go easily.
Ollie Watkins would benefit from Goncalves signing
Over the past four seasons representing Sporting CP, Goncalves has contributed to over 25 goals per campaign, consistently showing his importance in the final third.
For Villa, it’s clear why Monchi would want to acquire such talent this summer, with the versatile forward having the ability to take up a variety of positions.
From attacking midfield to playing on either wing, Pote could offer added brilliance to Emery’s front line, being a player that could bring the likes of Ollie Watkins added service.
In Liga Portugal last season, Goncalves averaged a stellar 2.20 key passes per 90, via FBref, signifying the chances he could create for Watkins in comparison to those at Villa currently.
Last term, Villa’s best creator in terms of key passes per game was Luiz (1.5 per game, via WhoScored), whose playmaking strengths will need to be replenished as he looks set to bid farewell to the club.
Watkins could be taken to the next level in the instance that an architect like the Sporting CP ace was to be hired at Villa, as the midfielder could craft an increased number of chances for the Englishman.
Given that Villa are lacking in the attacking midfield department, signing Goncalves could be a masterclass from Monchi and Emery, who could acquire one of the top-performing playmakers in Portugal this summer.
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