Transfer Centre

Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur 'battling for £34m-rated Serie A defender'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 May 2024

Villa, Spurs 'battling for £34m-rated Serie A defender'

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to do battle in the race for a Serie A defender during the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly taking an interest in signing a Serie A defender during the summer transfer window.

During the closing months of the season, the two clubs were involved in a direct battle for the final Champions League qualification spot.

Villa ultimately fended off the challenge of Spurs to secure fourth position in the Premier League table, sealing their first-ever appearance in the competition.

While Villa will have extra revenue from that tournament than Spurs will from the Europa League, both teams are expected to be busy in the transfer market over the coming months.

Strengthening in defence will be a priority for both after they conceded too many goals during the run-in, particularly costing Spurs in their efforts to stay on Villa's coattails.

Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso reacts on February 17, 2024 © Reuters

Serie A full-back attracting interest

Full-back is an area of concern for both sides, with Villa potentially wanting to upgrade on Alex Moreno and secure competition at right-back.

As for Spurs, Emerson Royal and Ben Davies have allegedly been made available for transfer, theoretically leaving Destiny Udogie as Ange Postecoglou's solitary left-back choice.

According to SportItalia, Villa and Spurs are each assessing the possibility of moving for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.

The 24-year-old has been used in a variety of positions this season, but more often than not, he has been deployed somewhere down the left flank.

A total of two goals and three assists have been contributed from 28 starts and six substitute outings, helping Juventus earn a return to the Champions League.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri during the match on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

However, Massimiliano Allegri has just departed his role at the Turin-based club, leaving the club facing a period of uncertainty until a replacement is appointed.

Cambiaso future to be decided

Despite his senior status, Cambiaso allegedly earns one of the lowest wage packets at the club, leading to his representatives being eager to negotiate a pay rise.

With three years left on his contract, Juventus do not necessarily have to move, yet they will want to protect the future of a player who is valued in the region of £34m.

A renewal currently appears more likely than not, but the suggestion is that Juventus need to act in order to fend off the advances of interest from elsewhere.