Morgan Sanson wants to leave Aston Villa in the summer transfer window after FC Nantes made the midfielder their top target for the end of the season, according to Foot Mercato.
The Frenchman has endured a horrific time in Birmingham since moving to England under Dean Smith in January 2021. Sanson made just nine Premier League appearances following his £16m move from Marseille before a knee injury ended his maiden campaign in April.
He returned to fitness in September, yet Sanson had to wait until December before the 27-year-old featured in the top-flight. His maiden league outing this term also came after the Villans sacked Smith and hired Steven Gerrard, who has so far given him nine appearances.
Gerrard has also only started Sanson in two Premier League fixtures since taking charge of Aston Villa in November. Now, some at Villa Park believe the Frenchman wants to leave in the next window. And Nantes could offer the former Phoceens star a route back to France.
Morgan Sanson wants Aston Villa exit as FC Nantes make midfielder top target
Nantes admire Sanson’s profile greatly and have made enquiries into him possibly leaving Aston Villa in the summer transfer market. La Maison Jaune manager Antoine Kombouare has even made the £48k-a-week star his priority target for the Stade de la Beaujoire outfit.
The Upper Brittany side would welcome Sanson’s arrival either on loan or in a permanent deal. They are now waiting to learn Gerrard’s plans for the former U21 international, who Smith claimed has ‘a bit of everything’ about his game following his arrival from Marseille.
Gerrard does value what Sanson can offer Aston Villa, per Birmingham Live, who report his agent, Pini Zahavi, is assessing the Frenchman’s situation. But a lack of action may force a departure, with Jeunes Footeux citing Crystal Palace, Rennes and Lille among his admirers.
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