Aston Villa intensify pursuit of standout English defender from Serie A | OneFootball

Aston Villa have set their sights on AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori as they look to strengthen their defensive ranks as per Football Insider. The club’s urgency to secure reinforcements comes after the sale of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce and the long-term injury to Tyrone Mings. Manager Unai Emery is determined to maintain the team’s strong form this season by adding quality to the backline, with Tomori emerging as the top target.

Why Tomori is the top target?

The 27-year-old English defender has impressed Aston Villa with his consistent performances in Serie A. Unai Emery has fully endorsed the move for Tomori, believing his skill set would significantly improve Villa’s defence.

Former Villa scout Mick Brown has also expressed strong support for the transfer, emphasising Tomori’s pace and his prior Premier League experience as key attributes that make him a perfect fit for the team.

Since joining AC Milan from Chelsea in 2021 for £25 million, Tomori has established himself as a reliable presence in Italian football. This season, he has made 12 Serie A appearances and contributed to three clean sheets for the Rossoneri.

Although he has regained his starting role under new manager Sergio Conceicao, a return to England could be appealing for Tomori, especially as it may enhance his chances of being selected for the England national team.

Competition and alternatives

Aston Villa’s pursuit of Tomori is far from straightforward, as they face competition from other Premier League clubs. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly interested in the defender. Spurs, in particular, are keen to strengthen their backline following injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, making them a serious contender for Tomori’s signature.

Villa has also identified Villarreal defender Juan Foyth as a potential alternative if their efforts to sign Tomori are unsuccessful. However, the club remains focused on securing Tomori, viewing his combination of speed and top-level experience as vital to their ambitions of achieving a top-four finish this season.

Urgency to finalise the deal

With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, Aston Villa is under pressure to act swiftly. The club understands the importance of moving quickly to secure their primary target before rival clubs can make progress in their own negotiations.

Tomori’s familiarity with English football, coupled with his success in Serie A, makes him an ideal candidate to strengthen Villa’s defensive options. The coming days are expected to be crucial as Villa looks to finalise the deal and bolster their squad for the remainder of the season.