Aston Villa want to sign Robin Olsen on a permanent basis and have begun talks with AS Roma to complete a move for the Swedish goalkeeper.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have opened talks with AS Roma over a permanent move for Robin Olsen. The Swedish stopper joined the Midlands club on loan in January. Despite not making an appearance, he seems to have impressed Steven Gerrard, who remains keen to add competition in the position.
Emiliano Martinez is Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper beyond this season. The fact that the club handed the Argentine a new contract in the middle of the season is proof of his status in the side, although Steven Gerrard wants to add competition for the former Arsenal star.
Since taking over from Dean Smith, Gerrard has been building the club steadily and used the January transfer window well to reinforce his squad. He also felt the goalkeeping position was a bit weak at the time and decided to sign Robin Olsen on loan from AS Roma.
The Swedish international spent the first half of the season at Championship side Sheffield United and took up the offer from Aston Villa over a loan move. Despite being at the club for a few months now, the keeper is yet to make his debut. But Gerrard remains keen to add him permanently to his squad and make him Martinez’s deputy next season.
Olsen is vastly experienced, although he lacks game time in the Premier League. He did make 11 appearances while on loan at Everton last season when Jordan Pickford was unavailable. Beyond that, Gerrard seems to be impressed by his application in training and wants the club to sign him permanently.
Aston Villa have an option to buy Olsen after the season ends and they have already begun talks with Roma over the transfer, with negotiations believed to be in advanced stages. There is no information on the cost aspect attached to the contract, although it will likely be a modest investment.
Aston Villa are keen on finishing their transfer business early and want to resolve the goalkeeping situation. They will then move towards strengthening other areas of the squad, including a new midfielder, forward and an attacking No. 10 in the summer. They are also keen on signing a new centre-back as several players continue to be linked with the club.
As for Olsen, it could be a straightforward deal, considering AS Roma are not overly keen to keep the 32-year-od Swede at the club. They have sent him out on loan in the last two seasons and may be happy to cash in when the summer transfer window opens.