Aston Villa ‘ready’ to make ‘firm offer’ for former Chelsea star as double Barcelona raid takes shape

Aston Villa are reportedly ‘ready’ to make a move for Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso as Unai Emery looks to bring in a new left-back this summer. 

The former Chelsea man has fallen down the pecking order at the Camp Nou and hasn’t been involved in the Catalan’s first two matches of the season.

As a result, Barcelona are willing to sell Alonso this summer for the right price. This has caught Aston Villa’s attention, who are considering several left-back targets at the moment.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Sevilla’s Marcos Acuna and Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares have been discussed by the club’s hierarchy.

Emery is trying to bring in a replacement for Ashley Young, who signed for Everton on a free transfer in July. Lucas Digne is also being linked with a move to French club Nice.

If Digne leaves Aston Villa, that will only increase their need to bring in a new left-back before the transfer window closes, so they could make a bid for Alonso imminently.

READ MORE: Ruthless Emery ends star’s Aston Villa career with agreement ‘very close’ for return to homeland before next game

Aston Villa consider moves for two Barca stars

According to Spanish outlet AS, Aston Villa are ‘ready’ to make a ‘firm offer’ for Alonso. Barcelona are currently trying to sign Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, so are willing to let the Spain international leave this summer.

As mentioned, Alonso joined the Catalans last summer after his Chelsea contract came to an end. He has since made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals in the process.

The 32-year-old could be a solid, experienced player for Emery to have at his disposal this season. He has also won eight major trophies in his career, so could help bring a winning mentality to the Aston Villa dressing room.

Barcelona manager Xavi is ‘yet to give his green light’ to selling Alonso this summer, but the manager could be tempted if the right transfer fee is put on the table.

AS do not state how much Aston Villa would have to spend to complete a deal for the Spaniard. Transfermarkt value him at just £5m, though.

Interestingly, Alonso isn’t the only Barcelona player Aston Villa want to sign this summer. The Villains have reportedly joined Bayer Leverkusen in the race for Abde Ezzalzouli.

The 21-year-old attacker gained promotion to the Barcelona senior squad last summer but has only made 14 first-team appearances as he spent the majority of last season on loan at Osasuna.

Barcelona are ‘likely to sell Ezzalzouli this summer, so it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa can bring him in, along with Alonso before the transfer window closes.

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