Celta Vigo’s Óscar Mingueza has been on Aston Villa’s transfer agenda for a long time.
The Premier League side had shown interest when Monchi was a director at Villa Park.
They continue to keep tabs and in January, Sport Witness relayed news that Aston Villa director of football Roberto Olabe ‘revitalised’ their interest.
On February 11th, we covered claims from Spain that Unai Emery’s side are knocking on his door for several months.
Encouragement for Aston Villa transfer
Fast forward to April and La Voz de Galicia, a newspaper local to Celta Vigo, now cover the latest on Óscar Mingueza and also mention Aston Villa and Juventus as his suitors.
The defender’s contract expires in June, and the La Liga side have been making efforts to extend his stay.
Celta Vigo sporting director Marco Garcés has confirmed of making a renewal offer to the 26-year-old. He hasn’t accepted it and is unlikely to do so.
The right-back has parted ways with his long-time agent Josep María Orobitg and is now represented by British agency Unique Sports Group. The change of agents has stalled the renewal negotiations.
Celta Vigo believe to have made the best possible offer and won’t raise it further to hold on to him. It now seems Mingueza’s ‘time has come to go’ after this season.
Aston Villa and Juventus are among his suitors. The latest development should come as a boost for the interested parties to sign him for free.
El Desmarque also report of change of agents and add that Celta Vigo’s offer includes a €4m per year salary. However, the La Liga side can’t afford to pay what English clubs may offer.
He’s attracting interest Juventus and the Premier League, without mentioning any clubs.
This, coupled with lack of progress made in renewal results in Celta Vigo giving up hope of retaining the former Barcelona man.
Spaniard won’t be short of options
Having already made contact, Aston Villa have positioned themselves for the transfer.
However, Óscar Mingueza won’t be short of options and is likely to make a decision on his future after analysing all offers.
Unai Emery’s side have to tempt him, with their financial offer and the sporting project.