Aston Villa have reportedly received a big boost in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur outcast Giovani Lo Celso.
Along with Aston Villa, Napoli are also interested in the Argentinean midfielder. In fact, Napoli have opened talks with Spurs over a potential deal amid uncertainty over the future of Piotr Zielinski, who has entered the final year of his contract in Naples. However, with Zielinski now ready to commit his immediate future to Napoli, the Italian champions are likely to drop their interest in the Spurs midfielder.
According to Birmingham Mail, Napoli could be about to pull out of the race to sign Giovani Lo Celso, leaving Aston Villa as the frontrunners for his signature. Lo Celso is in Aston Villa’s list of midfield targets, with Unai Emery keen on a reunion this summer.
Lo Celso, 27, has spent the last 18 months at Villarreal after struggling to make an impact for Spurs in the Premier League. Unai Emery has signed the Argentinean on three separate occasions and is keen to get him on board once again.
The report adds Spurs are likely to sanction a deal for Lo Celso, provided an obligation to buy is included in any loan agreement.
Giovani Lo Celso to Aston Villa—Good option for Unai Emery?
Aston Villa have been busy making exciting moves in the transfer window after qualifying for European football for the first time since 2010. Thus far in the summer window, the Unai Emery-managed club have secured the signings of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, thereby, bolstering their squad in multiple positions.
The Spanish tactician guided Villa to the Europa Conference League playoffs, and the hectic schedule that comes with playing in a European competition means that further additions will be essential. And he has plans to bolster his midfield unit further after the arrival of Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City.
Emery has set his sights on Giovani Lo Celso, who is entering the final two years of his deal at Spurs. Struggling to find his feet in the Premier League, Lo Celso sought greener pastures during loan spells with Villarreal, where he displayed his quality and produced many memorable moments in his 18-month stay.
Now back at Tottenham, the World Cup winner has been impressive in Spurs’ pre-season tour under new manager Ange Postecoglou, scoring in back-to-back friendlies against West Ham United and Lion City Sailors. Yet, regardless of his remarkable turnaround, Spurs are open to selling Lo Celso and Emery wants to be reunited with him for the fourth time.
Operating as an advanced eight or in the hole behind the striker, Lo Celso would be able to add an element of flair and invention to Villa’s midfield, potentially linking very well with the likes of Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Douglas Luiz. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man has the vision to unlock rigid defences and score some crucial goals for his team.
The 27-year-old played a key role for Villarreal in a run to the Champions League semi-finals two years ago, and he could well become an important member of the Villa squad under Emery if a deal comes to fruition. All in all, the Villans must go all out to complete Lo Celso’s signing from Spurs.
