Aston Villa will need a major exit before they can make a move for Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Unai Emery has been linked with a move for Danjuma, whom he brought to Villarreal in 2021, but it seems that they will need to let a big player go before they bring in another in their place.
The Netherlands international has struggled with injuries this season, but has scored 21 goals in 49 games for Villarreal, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League last term.
A left-winger who can also play through the middle, the 25-year-old moved to La Liga from Bournemouth after impressing in the Championship and has been previously eyed up by Liverpool.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that the club will be seeking a potential deal for Danjuma given his quality – but a move currently looks difficult.
“He is such a good player that I can believe they will be looking at him,” Jones stated.
“But the problem is that a major exit probably does need to happen first for this to open up.”
TIF Thoughts on Danjuma and Villa…
Emery clearly knows Danjuma well, with the winger, who is rated at around £22m (CIES), thriving under his management, and he may be keen to bring a familiar face to his new club.
If Villa do need a major exit to make space for the Dutchman, an obvious candidate to leave is Philippe Coutinho.
The former Liverpool star has been underwhelming since his £17m move from Barcelona, and given his apparent £125k-per-week wages, he is proving to be a costly squad member having lost his place in the starting XI.
If they can move Coutinho on and clear the wage bill, there would surely be room to make a move for Danjuma, while Villarreal could be open to accepting a reasonable offer given his injuries this season.
Despite his fitness problems, Danjuma’s goal record in Spain is impressive and he could bring extra dynamism to the Aston Villa frontline.