Aston Villa: Emery 'might not want' £25m star at World Cup | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery may not want the Villans to revisit a deal for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, says journalist Dean Jones.

The Midlands club came close to bringing the Senegal international to Villa Park during the summer, only for the proposed transfer to collapse at the very last moment.

Aston Villa transfer target – Ismaila Sarr

Sarr was a player who Villa wanted to sign in the last window as former manager Steven Gerrard looked to improve his side out wide.

As per BBC Sport, Villa had initially agreed a £25m deal with Watford to acquire the 24-year-old following the Hornets’ relegation from the Premier League.

However, according to the same outlet, a transfer fell through due to the structure of the deal and Sarr’s personal terms.

It is a development that would not have devastated Watford, who have managed to keep hold of one of their best players. As per Transfermarkt, the former Rennes man has scored six goals in 17 league outings this season, helping his side remain in promotion contention.

What has Dean Jones said about Unai Emery, Ismaila Sarr and Aston Villa?

Jones is not sure if Emery will instruct Villa to make a fresh move for Sarr.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer reporter said: “I’m not sure that this is the style of winger he actually wants. We have to wait and see.

“But from what I’m hearing, while he does want wide midfield options, the style now might be slightly different to before he arrived.”

What has Ismaila Sarr shown at the World Cup?

Sarr is currently representing Senegal at this year’s World Cup, giving Villa and other clubs the chance to see what he can do on the biggest stage.

When you look at his game, Sarr’s strongest attribute is probably his dribbling, which was on show in his nation’s 3-1 win against Qatar.

According to WhoScored, the Watford star completed three dribbles on the day, more than any other player on the pitch.

Those who watch Watford will not be surprised by that, though. In the Premier League last season, Sarr completed 1.5 dribbles per game, which was one of the highest averages in the Hornets’ squad.

Ultimately, then, Sarr does not look like the worst option out there for managers who are searching for a new wide man who can beat his full-back. Whether Villa bite again, however, remains to be seen.