Aston Villa could be set to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window with a new update emerging on a potential swap deal that could be a huge risk for new manager Unai Emery.
What’s the latest?
According to Calciomercato, Juventus are keen to sign Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and plan to offer Weston McKennie in a swap deal when the transfer window reopens next month.
As per the report, the Serie A giants consider both players to be worth around €25m-€26m (£21.4m – £22.3m) so it is unclear whether Juve will offer any financial compensation on top of the swap deal proposed.
It’s a big risk for Emery
Emery is just getting settled into his new role at Villa Park, however, with the January transfer window just around the corner the former Arsenal boss will need to consider his options and where he wants to make improvements whilst he has the opportunity next month.
However, the sale of Martinez could be a big risk for the manager to undertake especially when you consider how well the ‘keeper is playing at the World Cup in Qatar for Argentina.
The 30-year-old titan, who has been dubbed “world-class” by the Athletic’s Joey D’Urso, has been one of the most important players in the nation’s progression to the World Cup final and has proven that he is one of the most in-form stoppers on the planet during the prestigious international tournament.
Over six appearances, Martinez has had a 100% success rate in his run-outs, making five saves, tallying up three clean sheets and winning 100% of his duels.
As a result, the potential swap deal without any fee for Martinez collected could be a missed opportunity for Villa as his continued form should only be adding to his value will put the club in a position to command a much higher fee than the one aforementioned.
Indeed, there is no doubt that McKennie would be a great signing for Villa as he too has had an outstanding campaign so far this season not only for Juve but also in Qatar at the World Cup with the USMNT.
Over four appearances, the 24-year-old – who was dubbed “outstanding” by Kyle Bonn – created one big chance, delivered 100% of his crosses successfully and completed 50% of his dribbles.
Furthermore, he averaged an impressive 1.3 key passes, 1.3 shots on goal, 1.3 clearances and two duels won per game.
Not only that, McKennie ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, touches and progressive passes, proving that he is a huge attacking presence from his midfield role in Italy.
With that being said, Emery will have a big decision on his hands to determine whether strengthening the attacking threat at Villa Park would be worth potentially weakening the defensive presence with the sale of Martinez.