Villa ready to seal ‘great deal’ for 66-goal striker as Emery promise sweeps Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal aside
Aston Villa are emerging as strong favourites to secure a thrilling striker signing this summer, with a string of high-profile admirers reportedly trailing in Unai Emery’s wake.
The Spaniard is making ambitious plans to transform Villa into the upper reaches of the Premier League. And backed by the millions of owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, the club are in a hurry to make rapid improvements.
Emery has made a decent start since taking charge of the Villa Park hotseat. Currently 11th, they are pushing hard to to secure a top-10 finish this season.
However, in order to take his side on to the next level, Emery is keen to secure a number of high-quality additions this summer.
His major priority is to land a new striker too, having allowed Danny Ings to depart for West Ham last month.
And the man at the top of his wish-list is seemingly Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram.
The World Cup finalist is a free agent this summer with his Gladbach deal expiring.
The Bundesliga club have tried on multiple occasions to tie him to an extension. But sadly for them those talks have failed and confirmation that he will leave on a free transfer arrived on Monday.
That came after Gladbach chief Roland Virkus confirmed the France striker would walk away on a free this summer.
Understandably, demand is high for the 25-year-old, who has 14 goals and four assists from 22 matches this season.
That chase was seemingly being led by Manchester United and Chelsea, both of whom who are in the market for a new striker this summer.
Villa leading chase to sign Marcus Thuram
Despite United’s apparent interest, Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Erik ten Hag has his eyes on a far-grander prize in attack
Chelsea, meanwhile, are reportedly yet to decide whether to pursue a deal. They actively pursued him in January, only for the striker to knock back their approach, instead preferring to wait for the summer market. As a result, they remain uncertain as to whether they will rekindle that interest.
Rival interest in acquiring Thuram’s services also comes from Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter Milan, all of whom can likely offer the player Champions League football.
However, it seems his big-name suitors are already trailing behind Aston Villa if reports in the Spanish media are to be believed.
And according to Spanish daily Sport, Villa and Emery are emerging as genuine contenders to secure his signing.
They claim that Thuram is regarded as a ‘very desirable’ player thanks to his free agent status. And with Villa seemingly heading that chase, the deal is regarded as a ‘great deal’ for them if they can get it over the line.
The report states that Thuram is in a privileged position to be able to pick his next club. And it seems Villa are ready to put together a tempting financial package that will blow his other suitors out the water.
Emery promise gives Villa signing hope
Furthermore, with Emery also reportedly reaching out to the striker, it seems Villa already have a leg-up over their rivals. In addition other factors, such as playing regular football, are also likely to come into play. As such, Thuram knows a move to Villa Park would increase his chances of getting regular game-time.
By contrast, a move elsewhere might see Thuram emerging as more of a squad player. And the striker knows he needs to play regular football to maintain his place in the France squad. That is more acute than ever given les Bleus’ incredible strength in depth in attack.
Thuram is yet to score in nine appearances for his country.
However, he boasts an excellent record at club level with 66 goals in 277 appearances. That tally includes 42 in 124 matches for Gladbach, while he has also weighed in with 15 assists.
That amounts to a goal contribution every 2.17 matches – an impressive tally. Little wonder why Gladbach are loathe to lose him.
READ MORE: Aston Villa eye ambitious swoop for Southampton man; Guardiola says ‘he is the best I’ve seen’
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