Aston Villa haven’t forgotten about Kevin Viveros. After checking on the Colombian striker during the summer, they’re back to see what it would take to sign him.
The 26-year-old has continued scoring for Athletico Paranaense, reaching 18 goals in the Brasileirão and earning his first Colombia call-up. His price has gone up accordingly.
Sport Witness exclusively found out Aston Villa and Sunderland had both asked questions about Viveros during the last transfer window.
Now, though, there’s talk of Villa returning for another look. And this time, they could be prepared to put some serious money on the table.
Aston Villa back in touch
According to RTI Esporte, Aston Villa have made new enquiries about Viveros and are considering an offer worth more than €20m (£17.4m).
The Premier League club have contacted those involved to understand his current situation and what a potential deal might look like.
There’s no official bid yet, so we’re still some way from actual negotiations. Even so, the renewed contact suggests Villa haven’t completely moved on from the striker despite their summer business.
Viveros has certainly given them reasons to keep watching. He’s now the Brasileirão’s leading scorer with 19 goals and recently made his senior Colombia debut.
That international breakthrough could also prove useful for a move to England, as appearances for Colombia can help him meet the FA’s work permit requirements.
Athletico have a much bigger number in mind
There’s one fairly obvious problem for Aston Villa here. Athletico want considerably more money than the figure currently being discussed in England.
RTI Esporte say the Brazilian club are hoping for a transfer worth over €30m (£26m). That leaves a gap of around €10m (£8.7m) between the reported starting figure and Athletico’s expectations.
The Brazilians also have some room to stand firm. Viveros is under contract until 2028, with an automatic extension mechanism included in his deal.
There have been discussions about rewarding his performances with a new contract, although those talks have recently stalled.
As we previously covered, club president Mario Celso Petraglia stepped in after the parties had got close to agreeing improved terms. He wasn’t convinced Athletico needed to meet those figures just yet.
Well then, if Villa really want to go beyond enquiries this time, they’ll have to find out just how firm that €30m (£26m) asking price is.
