Aston Villa moved a step closer to sealing Champions League qualification for next season following an impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend.
Unai Emery’s men are on a wonderful streak of form which will hopefully carry into the next few weeks, especially with an FA Cup semi-final and five more Premier League games left.
Despite the season entering the final straight, Villa are also looking to the future as Emery begins to plan for 2025/26.
Could this see him raid a fellow top-flight club for one of their star players when the window opens?
Aston Villa readying bid for Premier League sensation
Despite the summer window not yet open, Villa are already working to conclude their first deal of the summer with Rosenborg’s sensational wonderkid Sverre Nypan.
He’s not the only creative star on Monchi’s radar ahead of a busy window. Indeed, according to journalist Alan Nixon, Villa are now eyeing a move for Crystal Palace sensation Eberechi Eze this summer.
They are poised to make a bid for the Englishman, especially if they don’t trigger the option to buy clause in Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement.
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Palace will be braced for offers of around £50m, and this shouldn’t be a problem for the Midlands club, especially if they secure qualification for the Champions League next term.
Emery has raided Premier League clubs in the past for players to spearhead his Villa revolution. Notably, names include Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and, of course, Rashford back in January.
One of his best signings, however, was that of Youri Tielemans, who has been outstanding this season.
Why Eberechi Eze could be Emery’s next Tielemans
The Belgian midfielder has started every single one of Villa’s Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup matches so far this season, highlighting his importance to the cause.
Across those games, he has scored four goals and registered ten assists. When compared to his peers in the top flight, Tielemans ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 3% for passes into the final third (6.91) and in the top 10% for progressive passes (7.04) per 90, suggesting he is excellent at starting attacks and moving the ball into dangerous positions often.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
So, why could Eze be the next version? Well, arguably having been one of Palace’s finest players this season, across 36 matches, the Englishman has registered 18 goal contributions – seven goals and 11 assists – under Oliver Glasner.
Goals
2
Assists
7
Key passes per game
1.8
Big chances created
16
Total duels won per game
5.6
Tackles per game
2.5
From an attacking standpoint, he has been superb when compared to his positional peers in the top flight. Indeed, the England international ranks in the top 7% for total shots (3.56) and in the top 14% for shot-creating actions (4.59) per 90 this season.
He tends to operate in a more advanced position than Tielemans, but there is no doubt he could have the same level of impact the Belgian has had this season. After all, both are particularly creative individuals.
Hailed as a “wizard” by England teammate Declan Rice, the Palace gem could be a statement signing for Villa during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are also keen, according to Nixon’s report, but European football will be a big draw for the 26-year-old as he looks to take the next step up in his career.
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