How Aston Villa plan to sign “the next Mbappe”

Aston Villa’s emergence as a major force in England and Europe under Unai Emery’s management has been remarkable, and it’s starting to look like this project can be strengthened at the top.

The Villans won the Europa League last season beating Freiburg 3-0 in the final. You probably haven’t forgotten. With the top four secured by finishing fourth in the Premier League, there is no doubt that Emery’s side are among the best in the country.

However, the club’s ambitious expansion plans have not come without their problems so far this summer. Amadou Onana is sidelined after tearing his ACL against Belgium at the World Cup, while Youri Tielemans has completed a £35m move to Manchester United.

NSWE are working hard, however, with Joao Gomes on the verge of completing a move to Villa Park.

Why Aston Villa are targeting Joao Gomes

Gomes is an aggressive and combative midfielder, with technical range and a will to win that has seen him thrive many times against the likes of the Premier League.

Atletico Madrid had been pursuing a deal for the Brazilian this summer, but it fell through, leaving the door open for the Villans to come in and strengthen their engine room ahead of a return to the Champions League.

A deal for Johan Manzambi has already been agreed this month, but Gomes will provide Emery with a central defence, with solidity and a real desire to win the ball back and defend defenders.

Last season, for example, the South American ranked in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s five major leagues for scoring out of 90, further highlighting that point.

In football, too, he excels when he drives his team forward from deep, ranking in the top 10% for dribbling success, and in the top 16% for forwards.

However, all this investment in midfield should not detract from the need to strengthen areas on the pitch, with Emery training his eyes on attacking from the right.

Aston Villa enter race for PSG star

Whether Aston Villa are able to complete all their business this summer remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that they have the ability to complete the rest of the transfer window.

It’s important that rock-solid experience meets exciting energy, and at Paris Saint-Germain hopeful Ibrahim Mbaye, Emery may find the gold standard in terms of quality to come.

According to Foot Mercato in France, Aston Villa are keen to sign the French midfielder this summer, despite facing stiff competition from Tottenham and Manchester City. Three Premier League players are among the clubs said to be showing a ‘deep’ interest in the youngster.

PSG have placed a whopping 50 million euros (£43m) on the 18-year-old, which is too expensive for such an inexperienced talent, however exciting.

But his departure will not be ruled out – the French giants are willing to punish him, for the right price – and Villa will be able to offer him a return to the Champions League and a clear path to superstardom on Emery’s right wing.

Touted as the next Kylian Mbappe with GOAL, Mbaye converted five chances in Ligue 1 last year, which is impressive considering he only started ten times. What’s more, he’s been on top form at the World Cup, scoring Senegal’s consolation goal against France in the group stage – and what a fine strike it was.

Prioritizing the renovation of their stadium, Aston Villa are making big signings this summer. But Emery needs to add more flair in attack, and Mbaye has attacking qualities that stand out in buckets. In that, he could eclipse Gomes’ popularity as Villa’s most exciting signing of the summer.

Indeed, he has the potential to far surpass the Brazilian midfielder’s strength at Villa Park, perhaps ensuring that the outfit not only compete in the Champions League in the years to come, but actually challenge for that elusive, incomparable trophy.

The directness of his right foot in the danger zone makes him a dangerous opponent for even the strongest defenders. He will only get better in the coming years, perhaps becoming the Mbappe-esque poster boy that the Premier League will enjoy.

Mbaye is one of the most exciting young talents, and his pace and confidence on the ball has left him at the top of many Premier League shortlists.

Man City is taking a big risk in the transfer market, but Aston Villa is creating a project under Emery’s wing, and can participate in the negotiations.