Aston Villa Targets Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso
Aston Villa is considering a summer move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso, with manager Unai Emery keen on bringing the Argentine midfielder to Villa Park. After a stellar 2023/24 season that saw Aston Villa secure a Champions League spot, Emery is looking to strengthen his squad further to compete at the highest level.
Tottenham originally signed Lo Celso from Real Betis in 2019, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in 2020 for a total cost of £42 million. Despite his undeniable talent and moments of brilliance, Lo Celso has struggled with consistency during his time at Tottenham. Last season, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, he played less than 600 minutes, indicating that he is not a key part of Tottenham’s future plans.
Lo Celso’s past connection with Emery could play a crucial role in this potential transfer. Before the 2023/24 season, Lo Celso spent 18 months on loan at Villarreal, where he worked closely with Emery and was a significant contributor to the team. According to The Sun, Emery is a “big fan” of Lo Celso and sees him as a valuable addition to Aston Villa’s midfield.
Tottenham is reportedly open to selling Lo Celso, who is entering the final year of his contract. The club is eager to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer and has already received offers, including one from Saudi Arabia, which Lo Celso declined. His preference appears to be a return to Real Betis, but Emery hopes to persuade him to join Aston Villa instead.
With Tottenham willing to offload Lo Celso and the player looking for a fresh start, Aston Villa is in a strong position to make a compelling offer. Emery’s admiration for Lo Celso’s abilities and their previous working relationship could be key factors in swaying the midfielder’s decision. As the transfer window heats up, it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa can secure this strategic signing to bolster their squad for the upcoming Champions League campaign.