Aston Villa’s start to the 2023-24 Premier League campaign was not one that many supporters would have dreamt up after Unai Emery’s outfit was trounced 5-1 by Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Thankfully, more reinforcements are just over the horizon after the club is reportedly closing in on Italian international and Galatasaray midfielder Nicoló Zaniolo.
Per football insider Fabrizio Romano, Emery’s Villians will be looking forward to adding further creativity to the team after the ACL injury suffered by Emi Buendía, with the former Genoa, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan academy attendee looking set to arrive at Villa Park for an initial €4m loan fee, with Villa due to cover the entirety of his wages.
Aston Villa are now closing in on Nicoló Zaniolo deal! Agreement very close, set to be completed 🟣🔵 #AVFC
◉ €4m loan fee.
◉ Salary covered.
◉ €22m buy option clause.
◉ €4m add-ons up to potential €27m package.Final green light expected soon and then here we go 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/xKT1fJtpiD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023
Beyond that, Villa will also have the option to make the deal permanent due to a reported €22m buy option, which would also include €4m in add-ons, with the deal expected to go through in the near future.
The 24-year-old versatile attacking midfielder spent four successful seasons with Serie A giants AS Roma before moving to Turkey halfway through the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 5 goals in 11 appearances, which should offer Villa boss Unai Emery another credible option in attack.
Zaniolo was previously also linked with rumored interest from Brighton as well as Zenit St. Petersburg, and though the season did not start in bright fashion for the club, his acquisition is another credible move done by Villa in a summer that saw them navigate the transfer market admirably.
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