Emery makes trip to watch £12m+ Aston Villa target as NSWE eye fresh move

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery made the trip to Spain over the weekend to watch a South American star in action who he is keen to sign in the summer, according to a new report.

Marco Asensio lands Aston Villa award

Aston Villa and NSWE made some serious moves in the January transfer window, signing a number of new players including Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi, who joined on loan from Manchester United and Chelsea respectively, as well as Donyell Malen, who signed permanently from Borussia Dortmund.

None, however, have been as impactful as Marco Asensio.

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The Spaniard, who is spending the rest of the season on loan at Villa Park from Paris Saint-Germain, has scored seven goals in his first eight games for Emery’s side, including three against Club Brugge in the Champions League as Villa eased into the competition’s quarterfinals.

For his exploits, Asensio was recently named Villa’s Player of the Month for February, scooping a massive 60% of the fans’ votes.

Given his stellar performances, Villa supporters will no doubt be hoping the club can keep hold of the former Real Madrid man past his initial loan spell.

Fortunately, after Villa progressed past Brugge in the Champions League, Emery provided a glimpse of hope that in fact happen. Asked about Asensio, the Spanish coach said, according to AS: “It depends. Of course, we’re happy with it.”

Emery watches Foyth in action for Villarreal

With a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal, it seems Emery has now turned his attention to reinforcing his defence. According to a new report from Spain, per Sport Witness, Emery was back at his former club Villarreal over the weekend to watch them lose 2-1 to Real Madrid at El Madrigal, and not just for fun.

The publication reports that the 53-year-old was there to keep an eye on Villarreal defender Juan Foyth – a player he tried and failed to land in January.

The Argentine, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, scored his side’s goal on the night, and it’s thought Emery hasn’t given up on landing him in the summer because he feels he “fits perfectly” into his system.

Villarreal are thought to be willing to accept an offer of €15m (£12.6m) for Foyth – which is the same figure they played Spurs for him back in 2021.

World Cup winner Foyth, who has been described as “fantastic” by former Liverpool star Luis Garcia, recently hinted that he would be open to a move to Villa Park.

Speaking to AS, per Birmingham Live, about Villa’s interest in January, the 27-year-old said: “I learned a lot from Unai; I became more mature and a better footballer. I was surprised that they were interested in me almost without playing. I thought it was strange, since I’d been practically blank for a year.”

“That interest shows the confidence Unai has in me, and I’m flattered,” he added.