Aston Villa see Pedro Goncalves as right fit as Unai Emery targets Sporting Lisbon raid

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Aston Villa believe Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves fits the bill for a transfer target of boss Unai Emery. But any bid by the Villa Park outfit hinges on what rival interest emerges.

That is according to Birmingham Live, which reports that Goncalves is ‘certainly’ a transfer target of Aston Villa. But Emery could face a frustrating pursuit as there are a lot of teams with eyes on the 24-year-old. His price tag will also increase as further teams step forward.

Aston Villa admire Goncalves as the claret-and-blue club appreciate his technical skill from the wider areas. He also carries a goal threat with 16 to his name from 37 appearances this term. The two-cap Portugal star, who can play as a central midfielder, also has nine assists.

Aston Villa are scouting Goncalves as Emery eyes his transfer from Sporting Lisbon

Goncalves penned his latest assist as Sporting drew 2-2 with Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday. He was also instrumental in their progression from the knockout round play-offs. The winger scored twice in the second leg toward a 4-0 win.

Aston Villa scouted Goncalves in Sporting’s win over FC Midtjylland in the knockout round play-off second leg. But the Birmingham natives can only advance with their interest if the Leoes eye a realistic fee. The level of competition for his signature may also price Villa out.

Emery also sent the Villans’ scouts to watch Goncalves in action against Arsenal

Reports by Record have also cited Aston Villa with an interest in a transfer for Sporting star Goncalves. It even suggests that Emery identified the midfielder as their top target. But the Leoes will want a large fee as his contract to 2026 includes an €80m (£71m) release clause.

While further reports by Record note Aston Villa had scouts attend Sporting’s Liga Portugal win at Portimonense last Saturday. Emery also had Villans staff attend their Europa League Round of 16 first-leg draw with Arsenal on Thursday. Goncalves played the full 90 minutes.

Goncalves, dubbed an ‘absolute diamond’ by Rob Edwards whilst at Wolves, also provided an assist against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League group stage this season. He helped the Leoes to a 2-0 win over Spurs. But he also received a red card against Marseille.