Aston Villa have entered the race to sign one of Italy’s brightest young talents this January, as Unai Emery seeks to strengthen his squad.
As reported by TBR Football, the Villans are eyeing Nicolo Fagioli, Serie A’s 2023 “Young Player of the Year,” ahead of the winter transfer window.
The 23-year-old midfielder has fallen out of favor at Juventus in recent months, with players like former Villa standout Douglas Luiz moving ahead of him in the pecking order.
Fagioli has already made an appearance at Villa Park this season, playing briefly in the closing minutes of Aston Villa’s recent goalless Champions League clash against Juventus.
Known for his vision, technical ability, precise passing, and defensive contributions, Fagioli is often compared to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.
He primarily plays as a central or defensive midfielder and could offer valuable depth to Villa’s midfield as they push for success in domestic and European competitions.
However, Aston Villa face stiff competition for Fagioli’s signature. Premier League rivals Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested. Additionally, Atalanta, Napoli, Marseille, and RB Leipzig are monitoring the situation from abroad.
According to TBR, the most probable transfer scenario involves a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent later.
Fagioli’s recent form has dipped, contributing to his diminished role at Juventus. Adding to his challenges, he served a seven-month suspension between October 2023 and May 2024 for breaching betting regulations, just after his breakout season.
Despite these setbacks, Fagioli’s potential remains undeniable, and a move to Aston Villa could offer him the fresh start and coaching support he needs to reach his full potential.
