Aston Villa have been conducting checks on a “brilliant” player ahead of the summer transfer window, with the race for his signature now heating up.
Villa stepping up pursuit of defender amid dip in form
As we edge closer towards the business end of the season, Villa are experiencing a dip in form in the Premier League, winning just one of their last five matches, and the 2-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out is likely to be particularly concerning.
Unai Emery was happy with his side’s performance in the opening 45 minutes, although the manager bemoaned their inability to convert their opportunities, saying: “How we played in the first half was really fantastic, we didn’t score but we created chances to score, enough chances to score, we dominated, we didn’t concede.
“And the second half when they scored, the match changed completely. We tried but the rhythm was stopping always.”
Ollie Watkins failed to record a single shot on target throughout the match, and the England international hasn’t been in the best of form, scoring just one goal in his last seven Premier League games, which suggests bringing in a new striker this summer may be a savvy move.
However, Aston Villa are also keen on strengthening at the opposite end of the pitch, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have been conducting checks on Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza.
Villa have been in constant contact to sign the right-back, who Emery loves, but the race for his signature is now heating up, as Newcastle United and Everton are also credited with an interest.
All three Premier League sides sent representatives to watch the Spaniard in action at the weekend, and he put in an eye-catching performance, assisting Celta Vigo’s opening goal in a 2-1 victory against Girona.
Oscar Mingueza’s key stats vs Girona
Number completed
Tackles
2
Duels (won)
7 (4)
Accurate passes
44/48 (92%)
“Brilliant” Mingueza could push for Cash’s place in starting XI
The 26-year-old is effective at both ends of the pitch, as evidenced by the fact he’s created 20 chances in La Liga this season, the second-highest amount in the Celta Vigo squad, while an average of 2.3 tackles per 90 also ranks him in second place.
Described as a “brilliant” player by journalist Sid Lowe, the four-cap Spain international also has an eye for goal, picking up four goals and six assists in 38 La Liga matches last term.
Matty Cash has netted three goals this season, but the Poland international has averaged just 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, which suggests Mingueza could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.
The former Barcelona player could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad, and Aston Villa should stand a good chance of winning the race for his signature, considering they are still in a solid position to qualify for the Champions League.