'Started talks': Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa are now trying to sign defender Unai Emery actually loves

01/06/2025 07:15 AM

One of the primary challenges on Unai Emery’s hands is to steer Aston Villa towards a place in the Champions League in back-to-back seasons.

While Aston Villa are sitting in eighth place, they are a mere four points off top four, which makes them one of the strongest contenders to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.

Furthermore, Unai Emery will also be hoping that Villa’s squad is in the best shape possible once the Champions League last-16 comes knocking.

With the Villains perhaps also hoping for a deep run in the FA Cup, there is still plenty to play for them this campaign.

Especially at centre-back, with Pau Torres and Diego Carlos out injured, leaving them with just two fit senior defenders in Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.

Aston Villa are eyeing Donyell Malen and they have now been linked with another name in the winter window.

Aston Villa started talks to sign Celta Vigo star Oscar Mingueza

For a number of years, Villa have backed Unai Emery with a whole host of astute signings, which has helped the Spaniard in constantly elevating the club.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Aston Villa have now “started talks” over a move for Celta Vigo centre-back Oscar Mingueza.

Romano stressed that the deal is “not advanced” yet.

However, Aston Villa regard Mingueza as one of their “main targets” in the ongoing transfer window.

The Spaniard is “appreciated” by both Villa’s board as well as Unai Emery.

Oscar Mingueza stats amid Aston Villa links

Considering how terrific Aston Villa’s track record of signing players is, if they do end up signing Mingueza, he could prove to be a huge hit.

The statistics paint a picture of the kind of player the Spaniard is.

Playing for a mid-table team like Celta Vigo, it is no surprise that Mingueza’s numbers in possession are not flawless.

However, the former Barcelona defender’s grounding as a La Masia graduate means he is unafraid in possession while defensively, he makes plenty of tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances.

Even if Mingueza heads to Villa Park and does not cement his place as a starter, he could prove to be a quality rotational option for Unai Emery and add depth to Aston Villa’s squad.