Aston Villa have been told that they are at an advantage to sign one transfer target for a key reason.
Unai Emery’s transfer activity doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon as Aston Villa prepare for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Villans most recently offloaded Moussa Diaby, who will need a worthy replacement after contributing to 19 goals in his first season in England.
Several targets have been identified as having the potential to replace the Frenchman, with one standing out above the rest.
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Why Aston Villa are more likely to sign Joao Felix than anyone else this summer
Aston Villa are in talks with Joao Felix according to the latest reports coming out of Spain, as Emery sees the 24-year-old as a priority signing this summer.
It’s been a difficult few years for the Portuguese forward, who has endeavoured on loan spells at Barcelona and Chelsea after falling out with Atletico Madrid.
Now, Atletico want to offload the former Benfica starlet for good, with Villa being one of the clubs eyeing his next movements.
The financial side of a possible deal triggers alarm bells for Monchi however, journalist John Townley has explained why he believes he can see a deal happening regardless.
Speaking on the Claret and Blue podcast, the Villa expert shared his belief that the Midlands club are at an advantage above others this summer in the race to sign Felix.
“It’s a deal that I can see happening, even if it’s something like a performance-related add-on, is that likely to happen at Villa?
“Is Felix going to improve at Villa or get to the level that he once was at and realise the potential that he has?
“That is more likely to happen at Villa under Emery than it is anywhere else. I don’t know who else would want him that could actually afford it anyway.”
It’s claimed that Atletico are asking for a price in the region of €50m for Felix, who signed for Diego Simeone’s side for a staggering £113m in 2019 when he was just 19.
Townley’s opinion rings true with Unai Emery in charge
After a disruptive few years, Felix won’t want to move to a club where he doesn’t see himself settling and developing.
The £235k-a-week Portuguese forward set Europe on fire as a teen, securing his move to La Liga however, after disagreements at Atletico, his progression has stalled.
Despite showing glimpses of his quality, the 24-year-old has not reached the summit of his true potential, which is where Emery could assist him.
The Spaniard has a strong track record at improving players, which he has done tremendously at Villa despite only being at the club for a year and a half.
Villa could be the best move for Felix, who must make his next transfer a meaningful one if he is to ever reach his astronomical potential.
