Unai Emery wants Aston Villa to sign £15m star he praised in 2019
Unai Emery has now told Aston Villa to secure a transfer for Udinese star Gerard Deulofeu in January. The Spaniard has long been full of praise for the attacker he once signed on loan.
That is according to 90min and Foot Mercato, with the two publications reporting Emery’s interest in a deal for Deulofeu. The Villa Park boss is eager to bolster his attacking ranks in the winter sales. He also particularly wants to acquire additional wide options next month.
Emery took charge of Aston Villa in November after replacing Steven Gerrard in the Villans hot seat. His predecessors had spent considerably to acquire wide attackers with Emiliano Buendia for £33m, rising to £38m, Leon Bailey for £25m and Philippe Coutinho for £17m.
But 90min notes Emery now has Deulofeu on his shortlist for transfers in his first window at Aston Villa. He previously had the Udinese star at Sevilla on loan from Barcelona during the 2014/15 season. They would also secure the Europa League title together that season.
Additionally, Foot Mercato reports Emery has now told Aston Villa to secure a transfer for Deulofeu from Udinese in January. The Villans will also back the Spaniard in the window as they strive to pull clear of the relegation zone. Villa have only won five of their 16 matches.
Emery had wanted to reunite with Deulofeu during the summer, as well, whilst he was still in charge of Villarreal. TuttoUdinese claimed in August that El Submari Groguet spoke with the 28-year-old’s agent over a return to Spain. But Udinese demanded a fee of €20m (£17.5m).
Udinese paid Watford €17m (£15m) to sign Deulofeu permanently in January 2021 after an initial loan spell. It was whilst he was at Vicarage Road that Emery – who was the manager at Arsenal – praised his compatriot for the player he had become since his spell at Sevilla.
“It is a positive for Deulofeu,” Emery said, via quotes by the Evening Standard in 2019. “He is a very good player and is now getting better, taking more confidence and gaining more experience – he is playing very well.
“He made the difference last week against Wolves in the FA Cup semi-final with two amazing goals. I like him a lot. I think Javi is doing great work with him and he is showing now a big performance and also I think Watford supporters are enjoying him.”
Deulofeu offered three goals and 10 assists over 28 appearances in all competitions whilst on loan to Sevilla. He also only started 10 La Liga games from 17 appearances under Emery that term. But Emery has now told Aston Villa to secure Deulofeu’s transfer from Udinese.
