Unai Emery’s Aston Villa scout Torino defensive sensation Raoul Bellanova ahead of a potential move in the summer.
According to a report from Tuttosport, Aston Villa are pushing hard for the signature of Torino wing-back Raoul Bellanova as they look to reinforce their squad in the summer. Unai Emery’s team are all set to feature in the Champions League next season and they are looking to ensure they have enough quality to compete with the best teams in Europe.
Bellanova didn’t have the best of loan spells at Inter Milan last season as he racked up less than 700 minutes of first-team football. He returned to his parent club Cagliari Calcio before making a permanent switch to Torino. In his debut season at the club, the wing-back has managed to establish himself in their first team and has made quite a name for himself.
The 24-year-old wing-back has featured in 36 Serie A games this term and has contributed towards eight goals (1 goal, 7 assists). His impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed and clubs are ready to make a move for his signature.
Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in the services of Bellanova. Villa have done wonders under Emery so far and now they are looking to take the next step by making the necessary changes in the summer. The Spanish manager wants to reinforce his squad and he is looking to sign a new right-back.
Villa scout Bellanova once again
He wants to have an attack-minded player in that position and the Torino win-back could be an ideal fit. He has a strong defensive base and more importantly, he is always ready to join the attack. Villa representatives were present in the stands to watch the 24-year-old in action on Saturday against AC Milan.
Torino managed to win 3-1 on the night against the Italian giants and Bellanova played a big part in it. He assisted Iva Ilic’s second goal at the Stadio Grande Torino. The Italian international’s performance would have surely pleased their scouts and this wasn’t the first time they have scouted the defensive sensation.
Villa look well-determined to sign the former Calcio defender whose contract with Torino runs until the summer of 2027. According to the report, the Italian club are looking for a minimum of €25 million to sanction his departure in the summer which might not be a problem for Emery’s team.
