Aston Villa are now planning a move for “one of the best wingers in Europe”, with Alejandro Garnacho struggling to make an impact since arriving from Chelsea in the summer.
The 22-year-old is yet to start a Premier League match for Villa, appearing for just 34 minutes across four appearances as a substitute, and he has received criticism from Troy Deeney, who suggested the left-winger doesn’t have his priorities in order.
Deeney said: “I don’t know the kid and don’t ever want to know him, doesn’t look like my cup of tea. But it might be that you are the fella that’s the problem. When you’re worried about your Instagram and your six-pack and how many earrings you’ve got in, you just need to worry about your football.
“You’re not involved in the World Cup squad and you had it all there for you, you’re not involved in the national team squad because [Lionel] Messi can’t stand you. And now, year-on-year, your standards are going lower and lower.”
|
Alejandro Garnacho’s career stats |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Man Utd |
144 |
26 |
22 |
|
Chelsea |
43 |
8 |
4 |
|
Aston Villa |
7 |
0 |
0 |
Garnacho is currently on loan, but the deal includes an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, and Chelsea believe the terms are easily reachable, so the Argentine could be in line to join on a permanent four-year contract.
However, should the Madrid-born forward not complete a move to Villa Park, Unai Emery may have to bring in a replacement, and a winger who has been in red-hot form has now been identified as a target.
Aston Villa plotting move for Antonio Nusa
According to a report from BILD, Aston Villa have now entered the race to sign RB Leipzig star Antonio Nusa, but there could be competition from Arsenal, who are regarded as the 21-year-old’s ‘most persistent’ suitors.
Considering the Gunners are currently setting the pace at the top of the Premier League table, their interest could be a problem for rival suitors, of which there is no shortage, with Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also keen.
The high price tag could also be an issue, with RB Leipzig set to hold out for €80m (£67m), and a deal may not be possible until next summer.
It is no surprise the German side are relucant to sanction a sale for a low fee, with manager Martin Demichelis saying earlier this season: “I think Antonio has taken another step forward. I’m really pleased for him.
“In my opinion, he’s one of the best wingers in Europe right now. But I don’t want to praise him too much. I just hope he keeps playing the way he has been.”
Despite his age, the youngster has already established himself as one of Leipzig’s most important players, picking up four goals and seven assists in nine Bundesliga outings this season, and he has scored nine goals in 34 caps for his country.
With that in mind, Nusa could be a statement signing for Aston Villa, and his ability to play on the left wing is an added bonus, given that Garnacho is yet to make the desired impact.
