Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement to secure the signing of Unai Emery’s former player from a La Liga side.
Aston Villa are currently one step closer to signing Lucas Digne’s replacement. The French left-back departed Villa Park for PSG after his transfer release clause was paid by Le Parisien. Villa do not seem to have taken long to find his successor. He already has experience playing in the Premier League and, most importantly, knows Unai Emery already.
According to an update from Fabrizio Romano through his X account, The Lions have reached an agreement with the player.
“Understand that Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Pervis Estupinan who wants to move to AVFC. Negotiations continue with AC Milan to agree on the fee as Unai Emery wants Pervis as replacement for Lucas Digne.”
Estupinan joined AC Milan only last summer. He signed for the Italian Serie A giants for £14 million from Brighton. He is still tied to his contract until 2030, but the Ecuadorian international had a rough time adapting to the Rossoneri.
Thus, he is very much open to a return to the Premier League, where he shone with The Seagulls. Estupinan helped Brighton qualify for continental competition.
Unfortunately, he had mixed results in Milan, making only 22 appearances while contributing one goal and one assist. Villa are reportedly holding talks to reach an agreement on his transfer fee. The Rossoneri are reportedly asking for £17 million to let him leave.
The 28-year-old worked under Unai Emery from 2020 to 2022 at Villarreal. The left-back, whose pace and crossing stand out, contributed heavily when The Yellow Submarine won the first major trophy in the club’s history by lifting the Europa League in 2021. He was also instrumental when Villarreal reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2022.
During his stay there, the left-back, who can operate as a left winger as well, made 74 appearances and registered four assists in all competitions.
For Estupinan, the chance to reunite with Emery would surely be too good to miss. After his disappointing spell in Italy, returning to the Premier League under the manager who knows him well would definitely be an advantage.
The Ecuadorian, who made only two appearances at this year’s World Cup, is likely to be the first choice in Villa’s backline. At left-back, The Clarets and Blue only have the inconsistent Ian Maatsen as his rival.
In defence, he would also be playing alongside Pau Torres, the only Spaniard left in the squad. He was his teammate during their Villarreal days. It will be interesting to see if they can finally join forces again to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
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