Aston Villa could use the money from Carney Chukwuemeka’s sale on new signings before deadline day on September 1st, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke…
What’s the word?
The Midlands outfit completed a lot of their business early with sporting director Johan Lange bringing in as many as five signings, including a £26m swoop for Diego Carlos from Sevilla and Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Marseille.
Chukwuemeka, who had rejected Villa’s latest contract offer, is now on the verge of signing for Premier League rivals Chelsea in a £20m deal, as per The Athletic, and O’Rourke has tipped them to reinvest instantly.
And PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare is one name that has been ‘mentioned’ around Villa Park. The Ivory Coast international has been linked with a move to B6 throughout the summer window.
Speaking to Football FanCast, the reporter said:
“I think it gives Steven Gerrard more money and space in the squad maybe to go and bring in another new signing as well.
“Obviously they were quite busy at the start of the window, bringing in Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara, but I’m sure Steven Gerrard would like to add further to his squad.
“Sangare has been mentioned as a possible target. He’s had a couple of really good seasons as PSV Eindhoven. I think he’s got a buyout clause in his contract as well. He looks a talented player.
“I’m sure Aston Villa will be exploring the market right now to see what they can do to try and improve their squad.”
Sangare swoop
With uncertainty over the future of Douglas Luiz – who is courting interest from AC Milan – and a gap opening up in Gerrard’s squad, a move for Sangare could make a lot of sense but Lange and his recruitment staff will need to act quickly to get their man.
It’s thought that the release clause that O’Rouke has mentioned is in the region of €37.5m, meaning Villa would need to stump up around £31m to secure his signature, as per Voetbal International.
Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been mooted with interest in Sangare, only increasing the pressure on the Midlands hierarchy to deliver, sooner rather than later.
The 24-year-old PSV star could be an instant hit in England as he has been likened to two former top-flight monsters in Michael Essien and Yaya Toure.
“Physically, he’s like Yaya Toure but he reminds me of Michael Essien,” African journalist Alpha Balde claimed (via GOAL). “I saw Essien at the start of his career and they had the same physical strength at an equal age. Sangare is also passionate.”
The 6 foot 3 brute, who has also been dubbed a “complete player” by former Toulouse boss Alain Casanova, was a key cog in PSV’s midfield last term, having averaged a squad-high 3.3 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game, via WhoScored.
Meanwhile, only Cody Gakpo managed a better average rating for the whole campaign, which highlights his impressive consistency and reliability in the engine room.
As such, he could be a mighty fine addition to Gerrard’s squad this summer transfer window and now that the club have seen their coffers bolstered with a nice £20m, it would make sense for that to be reinvested in a talent like Sangare.
AND in other news, Talks ongoing: Lange could strike gold at Villa as Ashley Preece drops 9-word contract update…