Aston Villa targeting bold move for Juventus and Barcelona stars

Aston Villa are targeting ambitious moves for Dušan Vlahović and Ferran Torres, according to Spanish outlet Marca.

Unai Emery’ Villans are set to appoint outgoing Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany and he is seemingly already eyeing up major signings.

Marca reported early on Friday morning that Villa are targeting both Vlahović and Torres, with the report also stating that the Midlands club are willing to pay up to €100 million (£87 million) for the duo.

Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece also stated via Twitter on Friday morning that Villa are looking to sign a ‘top-level striker’ in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Villa tend to prefer to get their transfer business done quickly after they announced the signing of Boubacar Kamara less than 24 hours after the 2021/22 season ended.

A tall order

Signing Vlahović seems to be an incredibly challenging task for Villa as they are set to face steep competition to sign the Serbian star.

Italian newspaper La Stampa claimed last month that he has already been offered to both Arsenal and Bayern Munich as he seeks a move away from Juventus.

The Mirror also reported on Monday that the Turin giants will be wanting a mammoth fee for him to leave, potentially as high as £62 million.

However, a move for Torres seems more viable as the tricky winger has struggled for game time since moving to Barcelona.

The former Manchester City star has started just 13 of Barcelona’s 33 La Liga games so far this season, with another three starts in cup competitions.

Villa are currently short of creative wide players, with Leon Bailey and Philippe Coutinho both injured and misfiring when fit, leaving Emi Buendia as the sole player to fill that role.

According to FBRef, Torres’ averages more goals and assists per 90 minutes than Buendia, while also attempting more shots per 90 with more of them getting on target.

They also attempt a similar number of passes per 90 with a similar completion rate, although Buendia progresses the ball more.

Torres seems to compliment Buendia perfectly and will help lift the creative burden off the Argentine’s shoulders.