Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
The 26-year-old was one of Morocco’s standout players as his side went on a shock run to the World Cup semi-finals, and has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.
A report from Viola News has claimed that Villa, alongside Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, are monitoring the defensive midfielder, but none are yet to make a bid, with the player valued at a minimum of €30m (£26m).
Amrabat helped Fiorentina reach the Europa Conference League final, and would add robustness to any midfield he joins, but reports earlier in the window indicated that he wanted to join Barcelona.
Do Villa need Amrabat?
Villa have been ambitious in this transfer window, bringing in Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby, and with Douglas Luiz and John McGinn as options, another central midfielder is low down on the priority list.
However, Luiz has been linked with a move away, and whilst Unai Emery would not want to lose the Brazilian, Amrabat could be an ideal replacement to provide steel in the middle of the park.
Amrabat was described as “extraordinary” by former Spain manager Luis Enrique after his performance helped Morocco cause one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup by knocking La Roja out, and he is on the radar of a lot of clubs given his combination of strength and technique.
His ability to progress the ball ranks as one of the best in his position in Europe, and he could help form a well-balanced midfield alongside McGinn and Tielemans if Luiz was to depart.
However, given the other interest in him, if Luiz were to stay, Villa may be better off focusing on their other transfer interests rather than bringing in another defensive midfielder.
