Unai Emery is a big fan of Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who has been identified as a top target for Aston Villa ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ounahi attracting transfer interest from Aston Villa
Ounahi, who has represented Morocco on 47 occasions, made a real name for himself at the 2022 World Cup, receiving major plaudits from former Spain boss Luis Enrique, who said: “I was pleasantly surprised by number 8 (Ounahi). My goodness. Where did this kid come from? He plays incredibly well. Achraf and Ziyech are obvious choices, we know En-Nesyri well, and Amrabat too.
“But this guy never stopped running. We’ve discussed it with the coaching staff. He was spectacular.”
After impressing Enrique, who is now Paris Saint-Germain manager, with his work-rate, the 26-year-old has since gone on to catch the eye from an attacking point of view for Girona, picking up five goals and three assists in 19 La Liga matches this season.
As such, the central midfielder has now been identified as a priority target for Aston Villa, according to a report from Sports Boom, which states Emery is a big fan, and it could take up to €25m (£22m) to get a deal over the line.
The Moroccan is attracting major interest from the Premier League and Spain, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Villarreal also being named as potential suitors.
However, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, given that Ouhani is regarded as ‘untouchable’ by the La Liga side, which means Villa may be forced to move on to other midfield targets, of which there is no shortage.
Aston Villa’s other midfield targets
Should the Villans miss out on the Girona star, they could opt to bring in AFC Bournemouth star Ryan Christie, with the Scotland international close to entering the final year of his contract with the Cherries.
Christie is known to have a strong relationship with Villa midfielder John McGinn, who is attracting attention from Premier League rivals Everton.
Enzo Le Fee is another name on the shortlist, with Sunderland willing to cash-in on the Frenchman, who has impressed in his debut campaign in the Premier League, after playing a role in the Black Cats achieving promotion from the Championship last season.
Curtis Jones is another player under consideration, with the Englishman growing frustrated at Liverpool, given a lack of game time this season, although there could be competition for his signature from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Aston Villa have a plethora of options on the shortlist, and they should be in a strong position to attract some top-quality midfielders, with Champions League qualification starting to look increasingly likely.
Aston Villa now planning statement signing of £57m Ligue 1 star
Villa are eyeing a “ridiculous” forward.