Aston Villa weigh up £52m summer move for Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri
Aston Villa are reportedly plotting a £52m summer move for Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad for a potential Champions League campaign.
The Midlands club are currently enjoying a stellar Premier League season and are heavily tipped to secure top-tier European football.
To cope with the demanding continental fixture schedule, the former Sevilla boss has identified the highly-rated Gunners prospect as a primary target.
Arsenal willing to sanction departure
Reports suggest the north London outfit are open to selling the playmaker in order to build a significant transfer war chest of their own.
The English youth international has found regular first-team opportunities difficult to come by at the Emirates Stadium.
Consequently, the teenager was recently sent out on loan to French giants Marseille in search of consistent senior minutes.
However, securing his permanent signature will not be straightforward due to mounting interest from a host of elite European clubs.
Fierce competition for elite prospect
Heavyweights such as Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Juventus and Chelsea are all closely monitoring the phenomenal talent’s situation.
A lucrative switch to Villa Park would offer the highly sought-after midfielder a viable pathway to remain in the Premier League.
His potential arrival in the West Midlands could also serve as a direct squad replacement for current loanee Harvey Elliott.
The Liverpool midfielder has struggled to make a substantial impact under Emery, registering just four league appearances this term.
With a permanent deal for the Anfield loanee looking increasingly improbable, a move for the Arsenal academy graduate appears to be a logical step for the club’s ambitious project.