Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is set to lead the club’s transfer plans in the summer. Gerrard who took over in November last year turned Aston Villa from relegation threatened to a mid-table club. as a result, Villa are ready to back their manager with the transfers. Moreover, the Midlands club have already proved it with an exciting January window. However, Aston Villa have some unfinished work from the winter transfer window with one Brighton and Hove Albion player.
Aston Villa were eager to sign Yves Bissouma from Brighton in January. Villa even made a £25 million bid, which was turned down by Brighton. The Telegraph report that Steven Gerrard wants a defensive midfielder to bolster his side. Though Douglas Luiz is a regular with Villa, Gerrard wants an upgrade on the Brazilian.
Despite Douglas Luiz playing 27 games under Gerrard this season, the 23-year-old is looking for a summer exit. Marvelous Nakamba is Villa’s other option in that position, but his injuries have kept him out regularly. Gerrard feels defensive mid is Villa’s weak-link and wants to bolster the position.
Brighton midfielder tops Aston Villa manager’s wanted list
Bissouma’s talent has not gone unnoticed in the premier league as many clubs have registered their firm interest in him. Aston Villa manager is one of them, Brighton have to be credited for keeping him at the club despite the offers. Bissouma has racked up 118 appearances for Brighton since joining them in 2018. The Mali international has posted impressive stats as well for the club.
Bissouma has an exceptional pass success rate of almost 90% in the premier this season, with 2 accurate long-balls per game in 20 appearances. The midfielder has further chipped in with 3.2 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1.4 dribbles per game in the league. No doubt his stats are excellent as is his game.
Moreover, Bissouma has played in several positions at Brighton, which is deemed as an important quality by Aston Villa. Yves Bissouma plays in the number-8 role, but can further settle in at number-6 as well as the number-10 role. However, to acquire the services of the Brighton midfielder, Aston Villa will have to spend big. Brighton have placed a price tag of £50 million on Bissouma, double the bid of Aston Villa’s January bid.
Bissouma has only one year left on his contract after this season ends, and Brighton are well aware that this summer is their last chance to cash-in on Bissouma. On the other hand, Villa are ready as well to spend the amount. But Gerrard’s team could face a stiff competition from other premier league clubs in Bissouma’s pursuit. Arsenal are long admirers of the Mali midfielder and could bid for him in the summer.
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