Aston Villa have joined Man United in the January race to sign a highly-rated centre-back as Unai Emery’s men continue their quest for a surprise Premier League title.
Villa have launched themselves into a genuine Premier League title fight with a remarkable winning streak that has propelled them within striking distance of leaders Arsenal ahead of tonight’s crucial showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
Emery masterminded 11 consecutive wins in all competitions, equaling the club’s all-time record and putting Villa just three points behind the Gunners with a win that could take them level at the top.
Villa’s latest triumph came at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, where they recovered from a goal down to beat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to some inspired second-half substitutions from Emery.
Aston Villa opens talks with star’s representatives to hijack club and replace Harvey Elliott
The former Liverpool winger barely played for Emery.
Ollie Watkins hailed his manager as a “tactical genius” after the comeback, which continued Villa’s extraordinary run.
The Midlands club have shown exceptional mental resilience throughout their winning run, gaining 18 points from losing this season – more than any other Premier League team.
Their most recent seven league wins have also been sealed by a one-goal margin, including comeback victories over Leeds United, Brighton and Chelsea that defied expectations.
Villa’s defensive solidity has formed the basis of their challenge, with Emery’s side having conceded just 19 goals in 18 matches this season.
Emery beat former club Arsenal twice in his last two visits to the Emirates, dealing a blow to the Gunners’ previous title aspirations.
A third straight win in north London would cement Villa’s credentials as genuine contenders, and they have been further boosted by reports that Delcan Rice will miss tonight’s showdown through injury.
Off the pitch, reports suggest Villa are keen to strengthen their squad, and they have now entered the fray to sign a stellar centre-half from abroad.
Aston Villa joins Man United in race for Tarik Muharemovic
According to Italian media outlet Gazzetta Di Modena, Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, the Premier League title challenger ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The 22-year-old has attracted attention across Europe following a string of impressive performances in Serie A, with Villa now competing against English rivals and the Italian giants for his signature.
La Gazzetta di Modena reports that Villa are among three Premier League clubs following Muharemovic, alongside Bournemouth and Man United.
The Red Devils dispatched scouts to watch the Bosnian defender in action at Bologna’s Dall’Ara Stadium last Sunday, where he delivered another accomplished performance and scored his second goal of the campaign.
Muharemovic has the characteristics of a “modern” defender that appeal to Premier League clubs, as well as “unusual” charisma for his age and a “perfect” profile for the Premier League.
Bournemouth’s interest comes partly from their successful experience with Dean Huijsen, another defender trained within the Juventus youth system.
The Cherries signed Huijsen for more than £20million before selling him to Real Madrid 12 months later for around triple the price.
However, Inter Milan and Juventus remain the favorites for Muharemovic’s services.
The Old Lady holds a resale clause of 50 percent of her previous departure, which could constitute leverage in negotiations.
Juve are considering using the clause to reduce the asking price for Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi, valued at £25m, with Muharemovic potentially included as part of a swap deal.
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This impressive Aston Villa still has the potential to become a world-class player for the club.
