ASTON VILLA are plotting a raid for Tottenham’s forgotten man Giovani Lo Celso – but Spurs supporters are fearing he will be a big hit at their rivals.
Unai Emery, 51, has performed a stunning job since replacing Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dug-out in October.
And his side’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham, who are still searching for Antonio Conte’s replacement after they ruled out Julian Nagelsmann, on Saturday means they are now just behind the seventh-placed North London side on goal difference in the table.
Emery is already looking for reinforcements to bolster his squad over the summer and we reported last month how one of those is the Argentina international that played for him at former side Villarreal.
Lo Celso is currently on loan at Villarreal from Tottenham after initially spending the second half of last season there.
He made 26 appearances under Emery on loan at Villarreal last term and helped the club reach the Champions League semi-final.
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He has shone again in the current campaign and now a fresh report states Villa are ready to step up their pursuit of the 27-year-old attacker.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Aston Villa have concrete interest in Gio Lo Celso and the player would be keen on the move; still waiting to understand who’s gonna be new Tottenham coach as he will return from Villarreal.
“Unai Emery, pushing for Lo Celso; but it’s not the only name in the list.”
Spurs are believed to be open to selling Lo Celso on a permanent basis and inserted a clause in his loan deal that allowed the club to listen to transfer offers back in January but a switch failed to materialise.
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The South American is under contract in North London until 2025.
Lo Celso signed a five-year deal when he joined Spurs from Real Betis in 2020.
But he only made 55 appearances in the top-flight since his arrival prior to his loan exit in January 2022.
However, some supporters feel that he could return to make an impact following his impressive displays in Spain and fear a sale to Villa could backfire.
One wrote: “I have a feeling he will cook like [Kyle] Walker and [Kieran] Trippier under a good manager while us getting s****er everyday.”
Another tweeted: “We should keep him.”
As another added: “Imagine if Lo Celso starts to ball like he does with Argentina next season.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
