Aston Villa are interested in signing Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza on his contract expiry in June, according to The Telegraph.
The West Midlands side are believed to be among a host of Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on the right-back, along with Arsenal and Fulham.
Mingueza, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the season, is poised to become a free agent and depart Celta after four seasons with the La Liga side.
The 26-year-old developed at Barcelona’s academy before departing in 2022 and made 66 senior appearances during his time at the Nou Camp.
Aston Villa Keen on Oscar Mingueza
According to The Telegraph, Villa have kept track of Mingueza’s performances for some time and remain interested in the Spain international ahead of the summer.
Unai Emery is seeking to bring in competition for right-back Matty Cash, and Mingueza could prove a versatile option, as he is capable of playing on either flank or in the centre of defence.
Villa were linked with a move for the 26-year-old in January, with reports in Spain suggesting Emery is a particular admirer of the defender.
Mingueza, praised as a ‘wonderful talent’, has won four caps for Spain to date, making his last appearance in the UEFA Nations League final defeat to Portugal on penalties last June.
Villa Could Face Competition for Mingueza
Villa could face competition from Arsenal and Fulham, as well as Serie A giants Juventus, for Mingueza’s signature this summer.
The Gunners are eyeing the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Ben White, and have added him on their shortlist along with Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.
Although Fulham could offer Mingueza the biggest guarantee of regular minutes, the London club will not have continental football to offer, unlike their two Premier League rivals.
Arsenal lead the Premier League standings with six games remaining, while Villa look well placed to qualify for the Champions League, sitting fourth.
Oscar Mingueza’s Tactical Fit Explained
Amid Aston Villa’s interest in Mingueza, we asked ChatGPT to evaluate the 26-year-old’s tactical fit into Emery’s system:
Fits Emery’s flexible defensive structure – Oscar Mingueza can play as a right-back, centre-back, or wing-back, which suits Unai Emery’s tactical flexibility at Aston Villa.
Ball-playing ability in build-up – Mingueza is comfortable progressing the ball from defence, helping Villa maintain possession and play out from the back under pressure.
Defensive intelligence and work rate – Strong positioning and pressing awareness would help him adapt to Emery’s structured defensive system and high tactical demands.
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