Newcastle United and Aston Villa are now battling it out to sign the same attacking star and have already received the green light to jump ahead of Real Madrid in the race this summer.
Newcastle and Aston Villa targeting La Liga star
It’s never a surprise to see Newcastle and Aston Villa fighting for the same transfer target. They’ve been swapping the privilege of Champions League qualification over the last few years, with Villa taking their turn this season and leaving those in Tyneside to play catch up.
It’s likely that Champions League qualification plays a crucial part for the Villans this summer, too. Whilst their SCR concerns will still be in the back of their minds, European qualification certainly helps them in that regard, and should also allow them to welcome some key reinforcements.
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Aston Villa have already commenced work to land a top-level talent this summer.
To that end, names like Ethan Nwaneri and Abde Ezzalzouli have both threatened to steal the headlines, with the latter a clear indication of plans to target La Liga stars.
Alongside Ezzalzouli, those in the Midlands have also received a boost in pursuit of another impressive attacker. According to Hooligan Soccer, Osasuna prefer to sell Victor Munoz to Aston Villa or Newcastle instead of Real Madrid this summer.
The Spanish club would rather avoid allowing Madrid to simply trigger their buyback clause and instead set a hefty price for Premier League sides to match.
It certainly makes sense that it’s Newcastle and Villa in the race. The Magpies are after a replacement for Anthony Gordon following his £69m move to Barcelona, and Villa need to strengthen out wide following the inconsistency of Leon Bailey since his return from loan.
Munoz would be instant upgrade on Leon Bailey at Aston Villa
It remains to be seen just how much Osasuna demand for their winger, but Munoz could prove to be worth every penny at Villa Park. The 22-year-old was involved in 12 goals in all competitions this season and is only just getting started. Compare that with Bailey’s form since returning to the Midlands and there’s a clear winner.
League stats 25/26
Munoz
Bailey (Aston Villa)
Minutes
2,668
452
Goals
6
0
Assists
2
1
Chances created
27
12
Take-on success
42.1%
19.2%
Although it’s difficult to compare output when Munoz played far more minutes in La Liga than Bailey did in the Premier League, their dribble success can be looked at.
That’s where Bailey was most disappointing. With a take-on success of just 19.2%, to say that he was wasteful in possession would be a damning understatement.
Munoz, meanwhile, enjoyed 42.1% – leaving room for improvement without being disastrous. Dubbed “excellent” by journalist Bence Bocsak, the winger is so full of potential and Aston Villa should do everything to beat Newcastle and Real Madrid to his signature this summer.
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