Aston Villa are in the picture to sign Boca Juniors’ Nicolás Valentini, according to a report from South America.
Operating mainly as a centre-back and at times as a left-back, he made 37 appearances last year, managing a goal in the process. It seems like his displays have drawn the attention of the Premier League side, who are looking to bring him to Villa Park.
That’s according to El Crack Deportivo Noticias, who state Aston Villa want to secure the 22-year-old’s services.
The Argentine club are about to conclude Valentín Barco’s sale to Brighton & Hove Albion and Valentini could follow his compatriot to England.
Journalist Jonathan Riniti claims Boca Juniors are aware of Aston Villa’s interest in him.
“Aston Villa are coming for Valentini. In Boca they are on alert for the offer they can present, where they know that at the moment the termination clause is $10m and he can be dismissed like Barco,” he told El Crack Deportivo Noticias.
As well as Unai Emery’s side, Lazio have also looked at the South American. His contract lasts until the end of this year and Boca Juniors are trying to renew it, presumably with a higher clause after the Barco debacle.
It’s said the Serie A side offered $8m, which is $6m less than the fee requested by Boca Juniors. The report provides no clarity why they will only let Valentini leave for $14m, when he has a clause less than that.
A possibility is that the $10m would have to be paid in one go, whereas a higher amount could be spread over several years.
