Serious injury could directly lead to Aston Villa January transfer, makes sense for player

 

Genoa have joined the race to Aston Villa goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, according to reports in the Italian media. The 21-year-old only joined Aston Villa in the last transfer window, but in recent weeks has been linked with a move back to Italy.

TMW have claimed Gollini is on Genoa’s shortlist after their first-choice keeper Mattia Perin picked up a serious injury. Perin has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury and Genoa see Aston Villa’s Gollini as a possible replacement.

It’s also claimed the Serie A side could consider Benevento’s Alexis Cragno, who’s currently on loan from Cagliari.

Genoa’s interest in Gollini comes after the goalkeeper was repeatedly linked with Inter Milan. The Serie A giants are keen to sign a backup to current No.1 Samir Handanovic, and the Aston Villa youngster was seen as a possible candidate. Inter Milan wanted Aston Villa to loan Gollini to them, with a right of redemption.

Gollini joined Aston Villa in the summer from Hellas Verona and started the season as the Championship side’s No.1. However, the youngster has lost his place in the team, and now also faces competition from Manchester United loanee Sam Johnstone.

A chance of being Genoa’s number one would be a great experience for Gollini, and perhaps more beneficial than being back-up at Inter.