Emery plots latest masterstroke with Aston Villa ‘ready’ to bid for Tottenham target after Mourinho decision
Roger Ibanez battles Lautaro Martinez during Roma vs Inter
Aston Villa will soon submit an offer for Roma defender Roger Ibanez, in a move which could see Tottenham miss out on one of their main transfer targets, according to reports.
Ibanez had spells at Fluminense and Atalanta before joining Roma, initially on loan, in January 2020. Roma made his transfer permanent in July 2021 by spending a reported £7million.
Overall, the centre-back has made 149 appearances, scoring nine goals in that time. He has helped Roma win the Europa Conference League in the 2021-22 season, as well as them reaching the Europa League final last term.
However, Ibanez could soon depart the Stadio Olimpico. Jose Mourinho’s centre-half options at Roma have been improved by the arrival of Evan Ndicka, who recently joined on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. And Ndicka being available means Ibanez is free to find a new club.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with the two-cap Brazil international. On June 12, it emerged Tottenham had ‘intensified’ their interest in him and were expected to submit a bid ‘within a few days’.
Spurs were then named as the main suitors for Ibanez, despite him also being offered to their London rivals Chelsea. A report recently claimed Ibanez could head to North London in a swap deal involving Ben Davies.
But Spurs may now have to watch on as Ibanez goes to Villa instead. According to an update from Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Unai Emery’s side are ‘ready to present an offer’ to Roma for the 24-year-old.
Villa have been alerted to Ibanez’s situation as Roma have decided on a fee which they would accept for his services. Roma will sanction Ibanez’s exit if Villa bid between €25-30m (£21.4-25.7m), which is easily within the reach of the West Midlands outfit.
Roger Ibanez could follow Youri Tielemans to Aston Villa
It looks as though Ibanez could become the latest star to arrive at Villa as they prepare for a first European campaign since 2010-11.
Villa began their summer business by capturing midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer, following the expiry of his Leicester City contract.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Villa are also on the cusp of landing Villarreal defender Pau Torres. He is ready to pen a five-year contract at Villa Park after the Villans agreed a £34.4m deal with their Spanish counterparts.
Ibanez could arrive at Villa to challenge Torres for a starting spot in defence, and it does not look like the club will be stopping there.
They are also in the frame to sign a La Liga winger, although they have been sent a warning about completing a deal with his current club.