Aston Villa are reportedly set to compete with Manchester City and Newcastle United for 29-year-old French international Nabil Fekir.
According to a report by Fichajes, Aston Villa are weighing up an ambitious summer swoop for Real Betis attacker Nabil Fekir, who is also a target for fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Manchester City.
The 29-year-old has been with Real Betis since 2019, arriving on a deal worth around €20 million from Lyon. Fekir has proven himself to be one of the most talented players in La Liga outside of the usual top three and the club’s crown jewel since arriving at the Benito Villamarin Stadium. The French international has 22 goals and 23 assists in 118 outings thus far for the Andalusian outfit.
Last season, he bagged ten goals and assisted another ten , while his stellar form prompted Real Betis to reward him with a new deal back in January. That ties Fekir to the Andalusian club until June 30, 2026. But the reality is that Betis need to sell in order to adjust their wage bill and be able to register their new signings.
Fekir is probably the most valuable asset the Andalusian outfit have on their books, while the French international is also the highest-paid player in the club’s history. So, due to the complicated fiscal situation, it is thought Betis would listen to offers for the 29-year-old playmaker from prospective suitors.
As such, a host of top clubs have taken note of his situation, especially from the Premier League, with Newcastle United and Manchester City already in a transfer battle for his services. However, they will now face stiff competition from fellow top-flight outfit Aston Villa.
Aston Villa put in a below-par performance to lose 2-0 to newly promoted Bournemouth on the opening day of the 2022/23 season. It was a dire attacking display, lacking any guile or creativity in the final third. The report mentions that manager Steven Gerrard could now dip into the market to find an apt solution, and Aston Villa could be lining up a swoop for Fekir.
The French international is renowned for his creative output and has a knack for defence-splitting passes, matching the profile of the player Gerrard wants. Fekir is also a dead ball expert who can get out of tight spaces thanks to his silky feet and close control.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are looking to add firepower to their attacking force after making three defensive acquisitions so far in this summer. Fekir is a versatile midfielder who can operate anywhere across the attacking line, in midfield, on the wings, or even as a striker. The 29-year-old is also a composed finisher, a trait that makes him even more dangerous.
Manchester City do not necessarily have the need to bolster their creative midfield options, but the situation can change, as Bernardo Silva is pushing for a Barcelona move. Should that transpire, the defending champions could do well by signing a top-level experienced operator in Fekir who is not only versatile, and skilful but can also chip in with crucial goals.