Villarreal 'actively working' to sign Aston Villa midfielder after Unai Emery decision

Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Published 3rd Jun 2024, 13:15 BST
Nicolo Zaniolo won't sign for Aston Villa permanently, unless there's a late change of heart.Nicolo Zaniolo won't sign for Aston Villa permanently, unless there's a late change of heart.
Nicolo Zaniolo won't sign for Aston Villa permanently, unless there's a late change of heart. | Getty Images
The fate of Nicolo Zaniolo could be out of Aston Villa’s hands as Villarreal are reportedly in talks to sign the midfielder from Galatasaray.

Signed by Villa on loan last summer with an option to buy, Zaniolo is now at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war from clubs across Italy and Spain.

The 24-year-old, set to miss out on this summer’s UEFA European Championships with a foot injury, is still on the books at Turkish Süper Lig outfit Galatasaray. Villa still have the opportunity to make his loan permanent for a fee in the region of £20 million plus add-ons but Unai Emery has made up his mind.

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Zaniolo isn’t expected to be signed by the Villans as other options are being prioritised in midfield, including Luton Town’s Ross Barkley. Different wingers are also preferred despite Zaniolo’s improvement during the second half of his loan spell in B6.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports one of Emery’s former teams, Villarreal, are eager to sign Zaniolo. Posting to X, Romano said: “Villarreal are actively working to sign Nicoló Zaniolo as priority target. Talks to follow, as Villarreal want to be fast with several Italian clubs also keen on bringing Zaniolo back to Serie A.”

The right player at the wrong time for Aston Villa?

Zaniolo struggled throughout much of his 10 months at Villa Park, especially during the initial stages. The 19-time senior Italy international was signed when Emiliano Buendía suffered a season-ending injury but the adaptation was not as quick as first anticipated.

Nicoló Zaniolo won't sign for Aston Villa permanently, unless there's a late change of heart.Nicoló Zaniolo won't sign for Aston Villa permanently, unless there's a late change of heart.
Nicoló Zaniolo won't sign for Aston Villa permanently, unless there's a late change of heart. | Getty Images

Emery was impressed by Zaniolo’s desire to put things right following a tricky start. The versatile midfielder worked very hard in January and February to get back up to speed before impressing with excellent showings away at West Ham United and Arsenal.

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The efforts of Zaniolo, who netted three in 39 games for Villa, were too little too late, however, as Emery doesn’t want to risk such a huge transfer fee. The Villans must also be careful with their spending this summer to stay on the correct side of the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability rules.

Related topics:Transfer NewsVillarrealUnai EmeryItalyTurkeyNicolo Zaniolo

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