Unai Emery and Monchi have set their sights on another transfer target for Aston Villa.
After a dramatic start to the summer transfer window at Aston Villa, Unai Emery and Monchi’s spending has quietened slightly.
The Villans have already welcomed seven new faces in preparation for the 2024/25 campaign, with more business expected before deadline day.
Amadou Onana’s arrival from Everton is the latest deal to be completed at Bodymoor Heath and now, Monchi could continue his search for reinforcements on Merseyside.
Aston Villa are interested in signing Liverpool defender Joe Gomez
Despite welcoming seven new faces to the squad, Ian Maatsen stands alone as the only defender Emery has captured.
Villa’s pre-season tour of the United States only reflected how badly the squad require added defensive depth, with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez now a name linked to Villa Park.
Speaking exclusively to Aston Villa News, HITC Journalist Graeme Bailey explained Villa’s interest in the England international.
“Aston Villa are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Joe Gomez’s situation.
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“He was clearly not too happy about being offered to Newcastle as part of a possible deal for Anthony Gordon, and now his long-term future is in doubt.
“Much will depend on what Arne Slot does with him, if it is clear Gomez is not amongst his first-choice options, he will look to leave and Villa are one of those who are keen.”
Bailey went on to describe Gomez as being an “ideal fit” for what Emery could be looking for in a defensive addition this summer.
“Gomez is a good age, can play centrally and full-back and looks an ideal fit for Unai Emery’s system.”
Gomez would be the perfect fit for Villa
Being an incredibly versatile asset to Liverpool, Villa must take advantage of the reported uncertainty around the 27-year-old’s future.
Adding a Champions League and Premier League winner with 224 appearances for Liverpool to the squad is never a bad idea, particularly when considering what he could add to Emery’s defence.
Deployable at right-back, left-back and centre-back, there are few boundaries to Gomez’s positional strengths, as highlighted last season.
In the 2023/24 Premier League, no full-back won a higher percentage of aerial duels than the Liverpool ace, winning 75.6% per 90, via FBref.
Taking into consideration that Villa would benefit from both a new centre-back and a new right-back, there are few better players to target than Gomez this summer.
It would be a significantly strong signing for Emery and Monchi to make at this moment after seeing Villa’s defensive frailties during pre-season.
