Aston Villa are reportedly lining up one final offer to bring in Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres this summer.
According to Fichajes, Aston Villa remain interested in a move to sign 26-year-old Spanish defender Pau Torres from Villarreal this summer. But Unai Emery’s men are not keen to trigger the release clause of the Villarreal star. Instead, they would like to get the deal done for a lower sum.
Torres built on his already burgeoning reputation across Europe during the 2022/23 season, making a total of 34 La Liga appearances for Villarreal as the club clinched a fifth-placed finish in the Spanish top-flight.
The Spaniard was also part of the Spanish World Cup squad in Qatar. His impressive form throughout the campaign has once again put the 26-year-old on the radar of Premier League clubs, none more so than former Villarreal boss Emery.
The Villans enjoyed a hugely successful 2022/23 campaign under new manager Emery, clinching a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League. With European football secured and strong financial backing behind them, Villa have lofty plans in the pipeline for this summer’s transfer window.
Villa have done some outstanding business in this market by winning the race to sign Youri Tielemans. As for Torres, Emery has previously worked with the technically brilliant defender at Villarreal, winning a Europa League title together during the former’s time in charge. And it appears he is particularly keen on securing a reunion with the Spain international.
The Yellow Submarine are resigned to losing Torres this summer, as the 26-year-old boasts a release clause worth around €65 million in his contract. That is viewed as too steep by Villa. So they are trying to drive down the asking price and would like to wrap up a deal at a lower sum.
It would be incredible if they could persuade Villarreal to let a player who has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Tottenham and is still at the peak of his powers leave for under €40 million this summer.
On the face of it, the Villans are well-stocked in the centre-back position, with Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Calum Chambers, and Diego Carlos all currently at the club. With European football on the horizon at Villa Park, Emery wants to bolster his defensive options without compromising on other areas of the squad that need addressing.
It also remains possible that Aston Villa and Emery will decide to focus their resources elsewhere first. The forward line is currently their top priority as they look to add more firepower and competition for star striker Ollie Watkins ahead of next season.
