Aston Villa transfers: Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘concrete interest’ in Tottenham raid Emery is ‘pushing’ for
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Unai Emery wants Aston Villa to sign Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur after his loan spell with Villarreal, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.
Since January 2022, Lo Celso has been on loan away from Tottenham at Villarreal, where he was playing under Emery until the head coach left for Aston Villa in late October. The midfielder’s future beyond his loan spell remains up for question.
Recently, speculation emerged suggesting that Emery could inspire Aston Villa to sign Lo Celso. Now, transfer expert Romano has confirmed there is a genuine interest behind the links.
Via Twitter, Romano has relayed that Villa have a ‘concrete interest’ in signing Lo Celso this summer. Understandably, it is Emery who is ‘pushing’ for the club to complete the transfer.
Previously, Lo Celso made 86 appearances under Emery – who he also played for at Paris Saint-Germain – which is more than any other coach of his career.
In turn, the Argentina international ‘would be keen’ on linking up with Emery again at Villa Park, according to Romano.
That said, Villa are considering other options as well amid their aim of strengthening in the middle of the park.
Lo Celso still considering Tottenham future
Besides, Lo Celso is keeping his options open for the time being while Tottenham wait to appoint a new head coach of their own. Spurs still have the midfielder under contract for another two years and a different manager might have a better opinion of him than Antonio Conte did.
With Emery, though, the 27-year-old might be able to find the most serenity as he reaches what should be the prime of his career.
Furthermore, Villa are currently fighting to secure a long-awaited return to European football. With two games remaining in their season, Emery’s side are currently level with seventh-placed Tottenham, whom they beat on Saturday.
Due to Brighton in sixth having games in hand, it now looks more of an outside chance for Villa to qualify for the Europa League or Conference League, but it remains a target they can aim for.
Their progress since Emery took charge has been significant, which could make them an attractive project to join for players of Lo Celso’s pedigree.
After joining Tottenham from Real Betis in 2019, Lo Celso made 84 appearances in a Spurs shirt, but only scored nine goals for them. Yet he could get a second chance in the Premier League next season, despite only scoring twice in 47 appearances for Villarreal.
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