Unai Emery has set sights on a trio of La Liga right backs with Oscar Mingueza, Andrei Ratiu and Juan Foyth, all interesting at Aston Villa.
According to Fichajes, Unai Emery has drawn up a list of three potential right-back targets for this month, with all of them playing in La Liga. Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu and Villarreal’s Juan Foyth are the names being considered, with Emery hoping to land one of them this month.
Aston Villa are clearly looking for reinforcements in this window to aid their bid to finish in the top four as well as finish higher in the Champions League. Director Monchi and manager Unai Emery are leaning towards different targets for a variety of positions, with the club already pursuing Borussia Dortmund winger Donyel Malen.
Apart from the attacking side, Emery is also eager to land a right-back that suits his style and intensity, with La Liga trio Oscar Mingueza, Andrei Ratiu and Juan Foyth on their list of targets. The Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal stars are in with the possibility to leave their respective clubs, as Aston Villa are eager to explore a deal for at least one of them.
Oscar Mingueza has been on Villa’s list for a while, although his €20 million release clause is bothersome as Celta Vigo are not prepared to lower their asking price in January. The only positive sign here is that the player has 18 months left on his deal, meaning this could be the best window for the Spanish side to cash in or risk losing his value when the summer window opens.
The same could be said for Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, who is also into the final 18 months of his deal. The Argentine international seems more like an important target here because of playing under Emery in the past and he knows the manager’s requirements when it comes to style or intensity on the pitch.
Aston Villa chasing La Liga trio this month
Andrei Ratiu could be a tricky customer, as Rayo Vallecano are protected by a contract until 2028, meaning they will not be in a hurry to sell below their valuation of the player. However, Ratiu is thought to be open to a departure this month, which will boost Emery’s chances. In any case, Aston Villa are looking for a right back that suits their style, as Emery feels the position lacks the required depth.
Ezri Konsa has often played in place of first choice Matty Cash, as Emery might be thinking of moving the former permanently to a central role and bringing competition for the latter. Exploring La Liga also seems logival, as Emery knows the league well, while Monchi has a stronghold in Spain when things come down to negotiations.
