Aston Villa leading the race for promising €25m Ligue 1 starlet

Pape Sarr, Metz

Aston Villa are looking to build on their fast start to the summer transfer window by signing Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, according to one journalist. 

Villa have already secured Emiliano Buendia from Norwich for a fee believed to be around £33m. They have also expressed an interest in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, although the south-coast club have reportedly rebuffed this.

Their early recruitment shows no sign of letting up, with RMC Sport’s Joris Crolbois claiming that they’ve set their sights on Sarr.

Crolbois revealed on Twitter that the Midlands outfit are the most “enterprising club” to sign the 18-year-old. However, “other European clubs are also interested”.

He also estimated the teenager to have a price tag of roughly €25-30m.

The Senegalese looks a promising talent for the future. He can play further forward in the centre of the park as well as his usual defensive midfield role.

His ability to do so is evident from the four goals he chipped in with from 25 appearances in all competitions for Metz in 2020/21.

June 8 Transfer Chatter - Arsenal to offer Guendouzi new deal, Wolves ready to sell Neves and Spurs to bring in Paratici

June 8 Transfer Chatter - Arsenal to offer Guendouzi new deal, Wolves ready to sell Neves and Spurs to bring in Paratici

Arsenal are preparing to offer Matteo Guendouzi new deal, Wolves are ready to sell Ruben Neves and Tottenham are looking to bring in Fabio Paratici as new sporting director.

The demand for the youngster is understandably high. Manchester United have previously been linked, and other reports have also named Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle in connection with him.

Villa showing ‘strongest interest’ in striker

Dean Smith is also looking to strengthen his side up top and has reportedly identified Chris Wood as a target.

They face competition from West Ham, who are also looking for a new striker. The Hammers have not yet replaced Sebastien Haller after his departure for Ajax in January.


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The Daily Mirror have reported that both sides are looking at Wood, who scored 12 of Burnley’s 33 goals in 2020/21.

Smith seemingly feels that the New Zealand international would provide good back-up to main man Ollie Watkins.

READ MORE: Villa steam ahead of West Ham for £25m-plus star who won club’s POTY prize