Having been one of the Premier League's busiest clubs in terms of signings so far this summer, Aston Villa are now looking to brutally show one player the door.
Aston Villa transfer news
Using their new Champions League status to their advantage, Aston Villa have welcomed a host of impressive stars so far this summer, from Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen to the return of former academy graduates Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer. Villa Park were quick to defend their association with Philogene amid rumors that Moussa Diaby could be on his way to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
It is reported that the player has agreed with the Saudi club and Villa is considering selling the player who entered the Midlands this time last year.
After re-signing for Aston Villa, Philogene told the club's website: “It feels amazing, it's like I'm back home. Unai spoke to me face to face and we had a great conversation during my playtime. He said I did well here in the pre-season last year and he said I will get opportunities this time. It also depends on me and how I play.”
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This could be a shocking signing for Unai Emery's outfit.
With Diaby potentially heading for the exit door, the Saudi-linked winger could be joined by another star. According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are preparing to sell Lucas Digne this summer with the arrival of Maatsen strengthening Unai Emery at left back to allow the sale.
The veteran defender, who earns £120k-a-week, had doubts about his place in the Midlands and now looks set to be on the way to the exit door.
“Good” Digne is no longer needed by Aston Villa
Once described as “good” by former manager Steven Gerrard, Digne now appears to be surplus to requirements at Aston Villa following the arrival of Maatsen alongside the cover already provided by Alex Moreno.
After two strong years, the Frenchman may need to move on this summer in pursuit of a place he can no longer afford in the Midlands, especially given Maatsen's recent arrivals.
|
League stats 23/24 (via FBref) |
Ian Maatsen |
Lucas Digne |
|---|---|---|
|
Key passes are P90 |
0.61 |
1.38 |
|
It helps |
2 |
3 |
|
Ball Discovery P90 |
5.49 |
3.77 |
|
Tackles won P90 |
1.46 |
0.71 |
|
Minutes |
1,473 |
2,410 |
Still only 22 years old, the ex-Chelsea man revived his season last season with a loan move to Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the Bundesliga side reach the Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid. Despite the defeat, however, Maatsen's short-term performance remained impressive.
That form now looks set to hurt Digne, who struggled to keep up with his fellow left-back last season. One look at the numbers suggests that Emery and Villa made a well-timed choice by showing the Frenchman the door this summer.
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