Aston Villa want to sign a £40m star like Saka

Aston VillaThe weekend’s win over Manchester City means they go into Christmas in sixth place in the Championship Premier League table, just three points from the top four.

It’s no secret that Unai Emery are keen to once again secure a place in the Champions League for next season, especially given the club’s strong performance in the competition so far.

The Spaniard wants to see the most glorious European nights at Villa Park and it is clear that he needs to expand his squad during the January transfer window.

The question is, which positions does it aim to strengthen?

Aston Villa are showing an interest in the Serie A star

In attacking midfield, Emery has been able to call on the likes of Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia this term, with the former really starting to show his class since the start of the campaign.

according to to the Caught Offside reports Last week, however, Villa appeared to be monitoring Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere ahead of a potential swoop during the winter window.

The Italian side value the player at around £40m, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem for Emery, especially if he can sell a player or two during the same window.

He will face plenty of competition for the Belgian, with Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, West Ham United, Arsenal and Manchester City being just a few of the teams who are monitoring the player’s situation.

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Atalanta currently sit at the top of the Serie A table, meaning it can be difficult for any club to prize their star players when the window opens.

That might not stop Emery, especially as he might John Duran unplayable in bringing the midfielder to the club.

How De Ketelaere could make Duran unplayable

The Colombian has been in sublime form this season, managing to find the back of the net 12 times in 25 appearances in all competitions, despite starting just six times for the club all season.

Duran was a wanted man during the summer transfer window, but Emery will be happy for him to stay in the Midlands.

The South American has started the previous three Premier League games, justifying Emery’s faith by scoring in all three games.

Rogers has been supplying the centre-forward with the goods throughout the campaign, but will a deal to sign De Ketelaere give Duran even more opportunities in the final third?

For example, in the top Italian category this quarter, the Belgian master has done not only did he create nine great chances in 16 games, but has also averaged 1.8 key passes per game and grabbed 1.1 dribbles per game, underscoring just how impressive he is in the final third.

Compared to positional colleagues in Serie A this season, the currently 23-year-old is in the top 3% of assists (0.41), top 3% for progressive passes (6.18) and top 10% of touches in the attacking area (5.19) per 90, which is still further proof of how devastating the third contra is.

These stats indicate that he would be a dream signing for Duran as he could link up well with the Colombian operating right behind him in a number ten role with Emery.

After an impressive display for Atalanta against Young Boys in the Champions League earlier this season, where he scored two goals and registered three assists, football talent said scout Jacek Kulig: “A truly magical European night for the 23-year-old Atalanta striker”

The youngster is clearly not fazed by the bigger stage, which could be another quality that would help him settle in well at Villa.

Furthermore, De Ketelaere is also akin to a Premier League superstar who is arguably one of the best attacking talents in Europe; Bukayo Saka.

If Emery somehow pulls off a January signing, he could have his own version of Saka at his disposal, boosting his chances of a top-four finish.

How does De Ketelaere compare to Bukayo Saka

Ask any manager in the Premier League and they would love to call on Saka’s services in their starting eleven, including Liverpool and Manchester City.

So far this season, the Englishman has done it already scored nine league goals along with registering 13 assists for the Gunners as they look to end their two-decade wait for a league crown.

Even more impressive is the fact that it has created 19 great chances in the top flight, averaging 2.7 key passes per game and successful 2.1 dribbles per game, terrorizing defenses up and down the country.

According to FBref, Saka is the third most player comparable to De Ketelaere in Europe’s top five leagues, suggesting that Emery would be signing a player of extraordinary talent if he were to land the Belgian.

Indeed, the couple has they even recorded similar statistics in a number of metrics this season, including goals and assists (17 vs 21), shots on goal per 90 (1.19 vs 1.27), goal creation shares per 90 (0.94 vs 1.32), touches in the final third (88 vs 143). ) and successful acceptance rate (43.9% vs 42.3%).

These stats show that the Atalanta midfielder is certainly on par with Saka in a wide range of attacking metrics, suggesting he would be an excellent addition to Villa’s squad from January onwards.

Emery may be looking to sell at least one player to raise funds for future transfers, but given their form in the Champions League, money should not be an issue, especially as the quoted fee is around £40m free

For that price, Emery will be able to sign someone of a similar level to Saka this season, and the move could be a wonderful piece of business for the club. This is a certainty.

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