Aston Villa hold concrete interest in signing £33m star with same agent as Joao Gomes
Aston Villa are making plans for the January transfer window, and they are vying to sign a new central midfielder, despite bringing in Leon Goretzka and Joao Gomes during the summer.
After missing the first five games due to injury, Goretzka made his Premier League debut in the 1-0 victory at Newcastle United back in October, before going on to score his first goal in the 4-4 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out.
Gomes, on the other hand, has missed three Premier League games, as a result of being sent off against Brighton on the opening day, and he has since fallen down the pecking order, featuring as a second-half substitute in the last two matches.
The Brazilian has also had his first taste of Champions League football this season, but Unai Emery wasn’t overly impressed by his display in the 3-0 defeat away against Barcelona, saying: “Gomes started not very confident with the ball.
“The mistake is part of our style, I am not blaming him. Before the mistake, he lost two balls. Today is a very good experience for him. We have made mistakes like that in four years and we always overcame those mistakes.”
|
Joao Gomes’ stats vs Barcelona |
Number completed |
|
Tackles |
4 |
|
Touches |
23 |
|
Duels (won) |
5 (4) |
|
Accurate passes |
13/15 (87%) |
|
Errors leading to goal |
1 |
Of course, it may take some time for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man to get up to pace, having played for the side that finished bottom of the Premier League table last season, but the Villans are already looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park.
Aston Villa planning January move for Gabriel Sara
As reported by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa want to bring in a new central midfielder and goalkeeper as a priority in the January transfer window, and they hold a concrete interest in signing Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara, who is represented by the same agent as Gomes.
In a boost to Villa’s chances of getting a deal done, the report states the Turkish side are prepared to sanction a sale this winter, and they are looking to receive £33m, although a £25m price tag is deemed to be more likely.
Newcastle United, Brighton and Everton are also named as potential suitors for the Brazilian, who has been performing very well this season, picking up two goals and six assists in 15 matches across the Turkish Super Lig and Champions League.
Although he has no experience in the Premier League, the 27-year-old has tested himself in the Championship, and he was lauded as “unbelievable” by content creator Ryan Dilks during his time with Norwich City.
Sara is also averaging 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Turkish Super Lig this season, the joint-second highest number in the Galatsaray squad, which indicates he is a well-rounded midfielder who could make a difference for Villa at both ends of the pitch.
