Aston Villa should hijack the move for a player they targeted earlier on in the transfer window as European giants circle.
With the June 30th PSR deadline passed, Aston Villa can focus their attention on signing players for next season rather than sales to avoid breaching Premier League spending rules.
Villa have sold Tim Iroegbunham, Douglas Luiz and Omari Kellyman to ensure compliance, while there have also been plenty of incomings, including Samuel Iling-Junior, Enzo Barrenchea, Lewis Dobbin, Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen.
Unai Emery has successfully bolstered his midfield and attacking line but there is one position that needs further improvement, and that is defence.
The Villans conceded a whopping 61 goals last term, a tally greater than relegation-threatened Everton, as Villa suffered from a leaky defence.
Emery could fix that leak this summer by landing one of his former targets.
Inter Milan want Aston Villa target Mario Hermoso
In May, it was said that Villa were ‘getting closer’ to the signing of centre-back Mario Hermoso, who was set to depart Atletico Madrid in the summer and become a free-agent.
Last month, it was then reported that Italian giants Napoli were in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 29-year-old with only the ‘key details’ left to discuss.
This essentially ruled Villa completely out of the running for Hermoso however, the Spaniard failed to agree personal terms and that has opened the door for other clubs to pounce.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter Milan’s primary target is signing Hermoso and President Beppe Marotta is in favour of the swoop.
Whilst negotiations appear to be at an early stage, Emery should use this as an opportunity to capture the talented defender, who could be the perfect partner for Pau Torres.
Why Mario Hermoso would improve Aston Villa’s defence
Last summer, Emery pulled off an incredible capture by landing Pau from Villarreal. The 27-year-old was a monstrous figure at the back for Villa and enjoyed a fantastic first season in the Premier League.
He showcased his ability to kickstart attacks from defence and dominate opposition attacks with his superb position and well-timed tackles.
Hermoso is similar in mould to Pau, given he’s capable of spraying balls from deep and acting as a calming influence in defence.
As highlighted by FBref, the “sensational” Spaniard ranks in the top 12% of defenders across Europe for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 6% for progressive passes.
In Emery’s possession-oriented system, he needs players who are comfortable on the ball and Hermoso is statistically one of the best at bringing the ball out.
The La Liga-winning defender is also an assured presence at defending his box as in the league last season, he won 59% of the aerial duels he contested, made 1.5 tackles and recovered 5.4 balls per game.
To put it simply, Hermoso would significantly improve Villa’s defence and the 29 appearances in the Champions League also reinforce that claim.
