Aston Villa are on the hunt for players to replace Moussa Diaby, Cristiano Ronaldo has previously sung the praises of one possible target.
After a dramatic start to the summer transfer window as a result of Aston Villa’s PSR concerns, Monchi and Unai Emery’s tasks are about to be taken up a notch.
The duo have already sanctioned nine permanent moves, with more arrivals and departures expected before deadline day.
This week, the overriding narrative has been the future of Moussa Diaby, with Villa claimed to be already hunting a replacement.
- READ MORE: Moussa Diaby transfer update as he nears £60m Aston Villa exit, one thing is holding up the deal
What Cristiano Ronaldo thinks about Aston Villa transfer target Joao Felix
According to The Athletic, Atletico Madrid wantaway Joao Felix is one of the names on Emery’s list to replace Diaby.
The report describes the Portugal international as being a ‘continued option’ for Villa to consider, adding that Emery even debated signing the 24-year-old before his loan move to Barcelona last summer.
Having joined Atletico Madrid aged 19 with a price tag of £113m, the versatile forward has a significant reputation in Europe, earning praise from some of the world’s biggest stars.
One figure who is a fan of the Villa target is Cristiano Ronaldo, who sung the praises of his countryman following his transfer from Benfica to Atletico.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo at the time, Ronaldo spoke highly of the teenager, backing him to replicate his success in Spain.
“Do I believe that Felix can repeat my success in Spain? I do, and a lot. He’s an excellent player with a lot of potential and a lot to develop.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner went on to suggest that the youngster’s price tag was justifiable, telling of how highly he regards Felix’s talent.
Villa could sign a high-calibre player in Felix
Given that Ronaldo backed Felix to replicate his success in Spain, Villa could be in the running to sign a possible world-beater this summer.
Of course, the 39-year-old was showing support for this countryman, who hasn’t got close to replicating the Al-Nassr superstar’s 581 goal contributions in Spain, yet his praise suggested he could reach such levels.
Felix could be the perfect capture for Villa to replace Diaby with, as he excels in playing in the pocket behind the striker, similar to the role the Frenchman played last season.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa told £50m player is the ‘ideal’ Moussa Diaby replacement, he’s a ‘phenomenon’
The problem is that if the Villans are to acquire the 24-year-old, they will have to act fast, with Marca reporting this week that Felix has a week to decide his future as Atletico begin their pre-season preparations.
It will be a fascinating remainder of the month in the transfer window, for Villa and Felix, who could join forces in the near future.
