Unai Emery and Mateu Alemany now want to bring Arsenal target Marco Asensio to Aston Villa this summer.
The Spain international is set to become a free agent when his contract with Real Madrid expires in June.
It was TEAMtalk who revealed that Arsenal are keen to sign Asensio – now, however, Emery could spoil things for his old side.
What’s the story?
Well – according to MARCA in Spain – Aston Villa are hoping to sign Asensio on a free transfer.
The £118,000-a-week man is yet to sign fresh terms at Real Madrid, and it now seems increasingly likely that he will leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alemany – who is set to leave Barcelona to become Director of Football at Villa Park – had been working on a deal to bring Asensio to the Camp Nou, but now looks ready to take his groundwork to the Midlands.
MARCA believe AC Milan are also interested in the Spaniard, but Aston Villa are able to present the most attractive financial package to the 27-year-old.
Asensio has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 46 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season.
MARCA add that his priority is to stay with the Spanish giants, although his desire for a more significant role could see him depart.
Asensio would be a superb signing for Aston Villa
If the Villans can snap up a player of Asensio’s quality on a free transfer, it would be a remarkable way to kick off the summer transfer window.
At the age of just 27, the Real Madrid No.11 still has plenty of years remaining at the highest level, and he would bring a wealth of experience to the Midlands.
Asensio has won three La Liga titles and also the Champions League on three occasions – among many other pieces of silverware – so he would bring a winning mindset to the Villa Park dressing room.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Alemany’s arrival at Aston Villa looks set to hand Emery a major advantage over Arsenal and AC Milan in this transfer battle.
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