Aston Villa are eyeing a summer move for young striker Santiago Gimenez, according to reports.
What’s the latest on Aston Villa’s interest in Santiago Gimenez?
The Feyenoord star has caught the attention of several European teams after an impressive debut season in the Eredivisie.
According to 90min, Premier League clubs Leicester, Brentford, Brighton, and Crystal Palace, as well as the Midlands side, have been closely monitoring the Mexican in recent weeks.
The piece also suggests clubs in France, Italy, and Germany, including Lille, Frankfurt, and Serie A’s runaway leaders Napoli, have also expressed interest in the 21-year-old forward.
With Villa reportedly being linked with several promising young players, sporting director Johan Lange’s potential move for Gimenez could prove a shrewd piece of business as the club continues to rise under manager Unai Emery.
Why do Villa want Gimenez?
Since making the move to Feyenoord from Mexican side Cruz Azul last summer, Gimenez has made a seamless transition to the Eredivisie netting an impressive 22 goals across all competitions this season.
He has responded excellently to the opportunities handed to him by manager Arne Slot and has been a fundamental part of a season that sees the Rotterdam club competing to win both the Eredivisie and Europa League.
The Buenos Aires-born star has recorded a WhoScored rating below 6.9 just once in his past fourteen games,
However, it’s his recent brilliant form, including nine goals in his last 12 appearances, that is attracting the attention of Europe’s elite.
After a streak of scoring in six consecutive Eredivisie away games, Gimenez was hailed as “legendary” by OptaJohan.
Villa are on an upward trajectory of late under manager Unai Emery, taking sixteen Premier League points from the last eighteen available to give the club a real chance to qualify for European football next season.
The Spaniard has a track record of developing young talents throughout his career, saying whilst Arsenal manager that: “We have a responsibility with young players to give them chances.” (via Sportskeeda)
Players who Emery handed debuts to whilst in the hot seat in North London included Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
With Danny Ings departing the club in January, and the club targeting consistent European football over the coming seasons, the Villans will need cover for Ollie Watkins in the striking position and the £15k-per-week gem can make an immediate impact as well as learning and developing alongside the Englishman.
With Villa’s ambition to continue their revolution under Emery, a move for Gimenez could be a strategic move to bolster their attacking prowess and tap into the young striker’s immense potential as he continues to make waves in European football.