Aston Villa continue to hover for signing – Rival’s insufficient offer gives Villans hope in transfer race

On May 7th, Mundo Deportivo stated that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery had personally contacted Mario Hermoso.

Later that month, we covered claims from Italy that Aston Villa are in the battle to sign the 28-year-old, who is set to leave Atlético Madrid as a free agent. It was also said the defender is requesting a €6m salary.

Calciomercato mention Aston Villa when discussing Napoli’s desire to sign the centre-back in the summer window.

The Spain international has been evaluating offers in recent weeks. He’s been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, who are willing to offer him a lucrative deal. The Villans have also contacted him over a potential deal.

Emery’s side can offer Champions League football, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League could make the Villans an attractive option for Hermoso.

The report says Aston Villa have to balance their books before June 30th, and they are now focusing on this before carrying out any signings. Calciomercato believe the Villans’ situation gives Napoli a ‘strategic’ advantage.

The Serie A side, who are in regular contact with his entourage, are offering a three-year deal worth €3.5m per year. Hermoso’s request is higher [€6m per year as per earlier claims], but the Naples club continue talks with his camp.

Aston Villa’s financial problems, and also those of some other Premier League clubs, have been overplayed in the Italian and Spanish media in recent days.