Juventus Join Aston Villa in the Pursuit of 23-year-old Midfielder | OneFootball

Juventus and Aston Villa Show Interest in Lens Midfield Star

Midfield Market Movements Taking Shape

As the summer transfer window heats up, midfielders are once again the focus of several European clubs. According to Calciomercato, Juventus are actively seeking midfield reinforcements and have turned their attention to a new name: Neil El Aynaoui.

The 23-year-old Franco-Moroccan has been quietly impressive in Ligue 1 with RC Lens. “He scored 8 goals in 24 appearances in the last Ligue 1 championship,” Calciomercato report, numbers that stand out for a midfielder whose work ethic and dynamism have caught the eye across borders.

Juventus’ original plan reportedly involved attempting to bring back Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. That move, however, seems unlikely. “The Bianconeri’s dream was to bring back home the Italian international… who however is destined to remain in England with Newcastle.”

With Tonali not a viable option, Juventus are now exploring multiple targets to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Photo IMAGO

El Aynaoui’s Rise with Lens

El Aynaoui’s trajectory has been impressive since moving from Nancy to Lens for just €600,000 two years ago. His blend of athleticism, intelligence, and composure in possession makes him an increasingly valuable asset. His ability to contribute goals adds an extra layer to his profile.

Under contract until June 2027, Lens will hold out for a premium if serious offers arrive. “Aston Villa and Lazio are also on his trail,” according to Calciomercato, indicating that a bidding war could soon develop.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, are strengthening for European commitments and could see El Aynaoui as a long-term piece. Lazio, facing their own midfield reshuffle, would also view the Lens star as an ideal addition.

Photo: IMAGO

Other Options for Juventus

El Aynaoui is not the only player under consideration. The Bianconeri are also monitoring Atalanta’s Ederson, another name mentioned by Calciomercato as an “alternative on the Serie A market.” The Brazilian is reportedly wanted by Manchester United and Saudi side Al-Hilal, where Simone Inzaghi is currently at the helm.

Juventus’ interest in Ederson makes sense. The 25-year-old was a key component in Atalanta’s midfield this season and is already proven in Serie A. But with competition from England and the Middle East, negotiations could prove complicated.

What This Means for Aston Villa

Villa’s inclusion in the pursuit of El Aynaoui signals their continued ambition. Having secured a Champions League place, Emery’s side will require depth and tactical flexibility. El Aynaoui’s profile — young, energetic, and efficient — fits their recruitment strategy.

Moreover, Villa have shown they are willing to invest in talent still under the radar, which could give them an edge if negotiations move quickly. Their Premier League standing and European campaign provide both sporting and financial appeal.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Juventus, the link to Neil El Aynaoui reflects a prudent and potentially savvy shift in strategy. With Tonali off the table and Ederson’s price and competition rising, targeting a younger, cheaper yet effective Ligue 1 talent shows adaptability. Some fans may prefer a marquee name, but El Aynaoui represents modern recruitment: smart, value-based, and forward-looking. A creative, mobile midfielder who scores goals? Not easy to find, especially at 23.

On the Aston Villa side, this feels like another step in their steady European evolution. Villa supporters may see El Aynaoui as an ideal rotation option, capable of pressing in Emery’s system and offering attacking thrust. There’s an understanding that Villa are now in a tier where smart picks matter as much as big-money names. He wouldn’t displace Douglas Luiz or Boubacar Kamara immediately, but he could be one for now and the future.

Should Lens choose to sell, both Juventus and Villa fans will want their clubs to act decisively, before Lazio or others pounce.