Aston Villa are advancing in discussions with Villarreal for Spanish international Pau Torres, whose release clause is £55 million.
According to 90min, Aston Villa are edging closer to signing Pau Torres from Villarreal. The Spanish international is a key target for Unai Emery, as new sporting director Monci plays a key role in convincing the centre-back over a move to the club.
Pau Torres continues to slide under the radar, although he remains one of the formidable defensive names in the market. After many consistent performances for Villarreal and the Spanish national side, the 26-year-old defender is ready for a new challenge.
There have been many high-profile clubs in the past interested in signing the defender, but that has dried a bit. There have been whispers about Bayern Munich, Juventus and Napoli seeking the Spanish international. But none have made any headway.
Aston Villa have advanced in this pursuit, having initiated contact with Torres and his representatives. Due to the manager’s prior relationship with the Spanish defender, Unai Emery is the major factor in this chase.
More reports emerged in Spain that Aston Villa have convinced Torres about the move. There were doubts whether the Premier League club were his first preference, considering he would have opted for one of the European giants instead.
But without any concrete offers from other suitors, Aston Villa have the upper hand in negotiations, and they want to conclude fast. They are now in talks with Villarreal to find solutions to the potential £55 million release clause.
There have been no indications that the Premier League club are looking to reduce the £55 million asking price. But their director, Monchi, is merely trying to structure a deal. However, there are chances of big European teams coming in late in this pursuit, which could compel Villa to act fast.
The £55 million-rated Spanish international seems destined to join Emery and Aston Villa in this window. He would become a key addition to this team with lofty ambitions of breaking into the Premier League’s top six. They have already brought in Youri Tielemans on a free transfer and are looking for more quality players in different positions.
