Aston Villa striker target ‘makes decision on future’ as AC Milan muscle in
An attacking star wanted by Dean Smith at Aston Villa has reportedly made a big decision over his future.
The West Midlands outfit currently sit 13th in the Premier League table. They have gained ten points from their opening eight matches.
Aston Villa’s most recent outing was a 3-2 derby defeat to Wolves. Smith’s men were 2-0 up after 68 minutes but conceded three late goals.
Expectations are high this season after a successful summer transfer window. Villa brought in a number of exciting players, including Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings.
Ashley Young also returned to the club on a free transfer from Inter Milan, while Man Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe joined on loan.
Reports suggest that Villa are already looking ahead to the 2022 windows. They have money in the bank to improve Smith’s squad further and in turn fight for a European spot.
Argentine sources have regularly linked the Villans with River Plate striker Julian Alvarez. He is already on ten goals for the season, reaching that figure in as little as 12 matches.
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Alvarez has represented the Argentina national team on four occasions. He is still only 21 and clearly has a bright future.
DMZ (via Sport Witness) claim that the forward has made a big career decision. He intends to sign a new deal with River Plate which will protect his transfer value.
Villa will then have the opportunity to land him in 2023. It seems like a long time to wait but it will also give Alvarez the chance to improve further.
The English side are not the only team vying for his signature, as DMZ write that AC Milan are also looking to get in on the action.
Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are named as fellow admirers.
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Report points to surprise Aston Villa exit
Football Insider claim that Smith will allow Anwar El Ghazi to leave Villa Park in January.
The winger has scored in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup this campaign. But Smith has kept him on the bench for the last five league fixtures.
It’s thought that El Ghazi has ‘reached his ceiling’ with the club. Villa will allow him to move on if a suitable offer is submitted during the winter window.
Such a bid could come from Jose Mourinho’s Roma. They were interested in a deal this summer but could not get one over the line.
El Ghazi originally joined Villa from Lille on loan. His transfer was made permanent in 2019 for around £8m. He has notched 26 goals in 112 games for the club in all competitions.
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