Unai Emery is keen to sign Tottenham Hotspur loanee Juan Foyth on a permanent deal, although Villarreal will struggle to meet his £14 million price-tag, according to AS.
The Argentine international took his sweet time but, after a sluggish start to life on the Castellon Coast, has belatedly established himself as one of the first names on Emery’s team-sheet.
Foyth has started each of Villarreal’s last six matches.
The 23-year-old was known for his versatility in North London. He has added another string to his bow since swapping Spurs for Spain, however.
Foyth has spent much of his time at right-back or centre-half this season, while also adapting impressively to a new-look, defensive midfield role.
Given the choice, former Arsenal boss Emery would love to keep Foyth around for the long-term, having tried and failed to sign the one-time Estudiantes youngster during his time in the Parc des Princes dugout.
“I knew Juan Foyth (before I was appointed by Villarreal). I called him to sign for PSG but he had already signed with Tottenham. He was a player that I knew well and I knew that his versatility would give us a lot,” Emery explained.
“He has given us what we expected. His performances have been very good, he has performed at a high, very high level.
“Would I like to keep him? The truth is that this is something that we must wait for, but if it were up to me, yes, I would keep him with us.”
According to AS, there is a clause in Foyth’s contract allowing Villarreal to turn his loan deal into a permanent transfer for a fee of £14 million.
But, after being hit hard by an ongoing financial crisis engulfing European football, Villarreal are on the charm offensive, trying to convince Tottenham to accept a reduced fee for the adaptable 23-year-old.
Selling a player on the cheap despite having previously agreed a larger fee? That doesn’t sound very Daniel Levy to us.
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