Aston Villa are one of many clubs taking an interest in a Bundesliga talent who impressed in 2023/24.
Despite having already acquired five new players this summer, there seems to be no sign of slowing down from Unai Emery and Monchi.
The duo are hoping to bolster Aston Villa’s squad in preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign, with Champions League football looming.
Now, the Villans are rumoured to be eyeing a highly-rated talent from Germany, with reports suggesting that the Premier League side are at an advantage in the race.
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Aston Villa are at an advantage to sign transfer target Brajan Gruda
As we travel deeper into the transfer window, speculation is heating up, with Villa now said to be one of the frontrunners to sign Brajan Gruda.
The 20-year-old Mainz forward is in demand this summer, with BILD crediting Villa, Liverpool, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen as having interest.
The report details that despite an influx of admiration for the Germany U21 international, Villa, Leverkusen and Leipzig have increased ‘chances’ to sign the winger for one key reason.
It’s said that it’s ‘important’ for Gruda to have the opportunity to play consistently in the starting XI, something that is most likely at the three clubs highlighted.
While there is no release clause in place for the German, BILD adds that a price in the region of €50m (£42m) is ‘being talked about’.
Mainz manager Christian Heidel has not commented on an exact figure for Gruda but has quoted that it would take an “extraordinary offer” to pry him away from the Bundesliga outfit.
What could Gruda offer to Unai Emery?
Deployable on the right wing and in central attacking areas, Gruda certainly fits the attacking versatility desired by the Villa boss.
The 2023/24 campaign represented the 20-year-old’s senior breakthrough, as he secured 28 Bundesliga appearances, contributing to seven goals for Mainz.
When describing the youngster’s season, scout Antonio Mango lauded him as “exceptional”, saying that he would fit a side like Crystal Palace, hinting at how his profile would suit the Premier League.
Being a key creator and energetic figure in attack for Mainz last term, the 2004-born ace drew many comparisons, including being likened to the formidable force of Andres Iniesta.
The official Bundesliga site constructed a profile piece on Gruda, where they described him as being ‘not all that dissimilar in style’ to the former Barcelona icon.
It would certainly be an interesting coup for Monchi to pull off, with plenty eyeing the starlet for good reason.
