Amid the latest Aston Villa transfer news, the club has shown interest in signing the talented Swiss midfielder, Denis Zakaria, who spent the previous season on loan with Chelsea.
The 26-year-old midfielder made only seven Premier League appearances during his loan spell with Chelsea, failing to secure a regular starting spot.
With the Blues choosing not to exercise their option to buy him permanently, Zakaria returned to Juventus as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
His future has become uncertain at his parent club as the player has been training away from the first team and will not be part of Juventus’ pre-season tour of America.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Aston Villa, West Ham along with several German clubs, has “taken information” on Zakaria, indicating their interest in the midfielder.
The club’s pursuit of Denis Zakaria comes after completing the signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City, further strengthening their midfield options.
With the departure of players like Leander Dendoncker and Morgan Sanson looming, Aston Villa sees Zakaria as a potential addition to their squad.
The Swiss international’s versatility and skill set make him an attractive target for the Villans as they prepare to make a strong impact in European competitions after a long absence.
The Swiss midfielder’s statistics, including his impressive 2.22 progressive passes per 90 (82nd percentile) and 88.9% pass completion rate (95th percentile), highlights his ability to dominate the midfield and contribute to counterattacks effectively.
But according to TuttoJuve, Zakaria’s transfer situation, however, isn’t straightforward.
Juventus is keen on a permanent deal or a loan with an obligation to buy, with an asking price of around £15.6 million.
The player currently earns a considerable annual salary of over £2.6 million. This financial aspect could be a crucial factor for Villa, West Ham United, and other interested clubs in negotiations with the Italian giants.
Villa’s pursuit of the midfielder is fueled by Unai Emery’s desire to bolster the midfield with additional reinforcements. However, they are not alone in their quest, as German clubs have also expressed interest in Zakaria’s services.
As the transfer window progresses, both Aston Villa and West Ham must act quickly and decisively to secure Zakaria’s services. His versatility and midfield prowess make him a valuable asset, and the competition between the two clubs may intensify.
