Aston Villa see Pedro Goncalves as right fit as Unai Emery targets Sporting Lisbon raid
Aston Villa believe Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves is just the ticket for a transfer target from boss Unai Emery. But each offer of the Villa Park outfit depends on what competing interest arises.
That’s according to Birmingham Live, who report that Goncalves is “certainly” a transfer target from Aston Villa. But Emery could face a frustrating pursuit with many teams eyeing the 24-year-old. Its price tag will also increase as more teams step forward.
Aston Villa admire Goncalves while the claret and blue club appreciate his technical ability from the wider areas. He also carries a goalscoring threat with 16 to his name from 37 appearances this season. The two-time Portugal star, who can play as a central midfielder, also has nine assists.
Aston Villa are scouting for Goncalves while Emery is eyeing his transfer from Sporting Lisbon
Goncalves penned his latest assist as Sporting drew 2-2 with Arsenal in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 on Thursday. He was also instrumental in their advancement from the knockout round play-offs. The winger scored twice in the second leg to make it 4-0.
Aston Villa scouted Goncalves in Sporting’s win over FC Midtjylland in the knockout round second leg of the play-off. But the Birmingham natives can only move forward with their interest if the Leos eye a realistic fee. Villa can also price up the level of competition for his signature.
Emery also sent the Villans’ scouts to watch Goncalves in action against Arsenal
Reports from Record have also cited Aston Villa with an interest in a transfer for Sporting star Goncalves. It even suggests Emery has identified the midfielder as her main target. But the Leos will demand a hefty fee as his contract includes a €80m (£71m) release clause until 2026.
While further reports from Record Note Aston Villa attended Sporting’s Liga Portugal win at Portimonense last Saturday, Aston Villa had scouts with them. Emery also let Villans’ staff take part in Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 first-leg draw against Arsenal. Goncalves played the full 90 minutes.
Goncalves, described by Rob Edwards as an “absolute diamond” during his time at Wolves, also provided an assist against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League group stage this season. He helped the Leos to a 2-0 win over Spurs. But he also received a red card against Marseille.
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