Aston Villa plan January swoop for Juventus midfielder amid growing midfield concerns | OneFootball

Aston Villa target Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli ahead of the January transfer window. The Italian playmaker has struggled to secure regular playing time in Turin, attracting attention from multiple Premier League clubs. Villa's interest in Fagioli represents their efforts to enhance their midfield options as they continue their campaign in domestic and European competitions.

Midfield strain and squad depth

Current midfield lynchpin Youri Tielemans faces mounting pressure from the packed fixture list, handling both Premier League and Champions League duties. The situation has become more challenging with injuries to Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey, leaving Villa's midfield resources stretched thin. Manager Unai Emery recognises the urgent need for reinforcement to maintain the team's competitive edge across all fronts.

A fresh midfield addition would give Tielemans much-needed rest periods while allowing Emery to implement effective squad rotation. This planned approach aims to keep the team fresh and performing at peak levels throughout their demanding schedule.

Who is Fagioli?

Fagioli, named Serie A's Young Player of the Year in 2023, brings qualities often likened to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. His versatility shines through his capability to excel in both central and defensive midfield positions. Though currently serving a seven-month ban due to betting rule violations, his standing in football circles remains strong.

The 23-year-old's sharp vision, technical prowess, and ball-winning abilities match Villa's playing philosophy perfectly. His brief showing against Villa in this season's Champions League caught the eye, offering a glimpse of what he could add to Emery's tactical setup.

Transfer market dynamics

Villa must navigate through stiff competition to land their target. Premier League rivals Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest have all expressed interest. Beyond England's borders, clubs like Marseille, RB Leipzig, Atalanta, and Napoli are monitoring the situation closely.

TBR Football reports an initial loan arrangement with a future purchase option appears the most viable path forward. This structure would align with Villa's financial planning whilst offering them time to assess Fagioli's Premier League adaptation.

Their European football credentials could prove decisive in negotiations. A club insider emphasised, "If this is the player that Villa think they need, then they need to make sure a deal is lined up ahead of January."

With competition intensifying across all tournaments, acquiring a player of Fagioli's calibre could prove crucial.