Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign a “world class” Portugal international, who Unai Emery believes could become a key part of his project, according to a report.
Villa still pushing for Europe
Villa still remain in the hunt for the top four, sitting just six points behind Chelsea, but they have struggled to emulate last season’s form in the Premier League, perhaps as a result of the extra fixtures that come with playing in the Champions League.
As such, Emery strengthened his squad considerably in the January transfer window, bringing in big-name signings such as Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen to bolster his attacking options.
In order to shore up the backline, centre-back Axel Disasi arrived on loan from Chelsea, while right-back Andres Garcia was signed from Levante, but there is a feeling the Villans still want to bring in an additional full-back in the summer.
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That is according to reports from Spain, which suggest Aston Villa have now entered the race to sign Joao Cancelo, who could be in line for a return to Europe after impressing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Cancelo’s performances in Saudi Arabia have attracted the attention of a number of clubs, including Manchester United and AC Milan, so there could be stiff competition for his signature this summer.
Emery is clearly a big fan of the former Manchester City man, with the report revealing the Spanish manager believes he could be a key part of his project at Villa Park.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Midlands outfit would be able to tempt the full-back monetarily, given that he rakes in a whopping £247k-per-week at Al-Hilal.
Cancelo showing signs he is still “world class”
The Portugal international has played for some of Europe’s top clubs, spending time with Man City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, during which time he has become well-known for his ability going forward.
Since signing for Al-Hilal, the 30-year-old continues to look promising from an attacking point of view, picking up two goals and 10 assists in 27 appearances in all competitions this season.
The former Barca man has been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media in the past, and his displays this season indicate he is still very much at that level, so it is exciting news Villa are now in the race for his signature.
The only potential stumbling block is seemingly the huge wages the right-back is on at Al-Hilal, and given that he is contracted until the summer of 2027, the Saudi side are not in a position where they will need to sell anytime soon.
If the opportunity arises to sign Cancelo, however, Villa should definitely pursue it, as he has proven himself at the highest level in the past, and continues to impress in the Saudi Pro League.