Aston Villa news: Unai Emery eyes PSG forward Marco Asensio after confirming Marcus Rashford signing from Man Utd
Deadline day brings plenty of drama and excitement to football supporters across the globe as they follow their teams’ latest deals.
Aston Villa completed the signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United until the end of the season yesterday, and have already turned their attention to bringing another star to Villa Park.
Transfer News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce looks at what Rashford will add to Villa, and who else could be joining the Englishman at Villa before the 23:00 GMT deadline.
Marcus Rashford, a chance for redemption
Rashford has fallen out of favour at Man United since Ruben Amorim took charge, with the England international practically banished from the Portuguese manager’s squad.
Aston Villa have signed the winger on loan and will cover 70% of his £350,000 a week wages, whilst also having the option to buy the 27-year-old for a reported £50million at the end of the season.
After Jhon Duran departed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League last week, Rashford could be a great replacement, however, there is a fear among Villa supporters that this could be a repeat of Philipe Coutinho’s disastrous move to Villa Park.
Unai Emery has a track record of making out-of-form players perform throughout his career, with the Spaniard working his magic on Juan Foyth and Etienne Capoue at Villarreal.
There is no doubt that Rashford has bags of talent, and despite his poor form at Old Trafford this season, there is a huge chance he can get back to his best in a happier environment.
Rashford’s best position is on the left wing, however, it is unknown where he will fit into Emery’s side due to the recent good form of Jacob Ramsey.
The Spanish manager could utilise his new attacker upfront with Ollie Watkins, which would mean Morgan Rodgers would have to move out wide - a position that the youngster played last season.
Ramsey seems to be the most likely player Emery will have to sacrifice, but with the Villans still in the Champions League, there will be plenty of opportunities for squad rotation.
Marco Asensio to Aston Villa?
Marco Asensio is a name that Aston Villa and Emery will know well, as the West Midlands club have been tracking the Spaniard since his departure from Real Madrid as a free agent in 2023.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish manager is finally going to get his man, as a loan deal between Villa and Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly been agreed for Asensio.
The 29-year-old can play anywhere across the front three but has played the majority of this season as a centre forward, providing six goal contributions for PSG.
Villa hoping for a defensive signing
Including youngster Lamare Bogarde, the Villans only have two available natural centre-backs after several injuries.
This position is one that the Birmingham-based club need to address before the transfer window slams shut.
Chelsea’s Axel Disasi has been rumoured to have agreed to a loan move to Aston Villa, after favouring a move to Villa Park over Tottenham Hotspur.
The January transfer window closes at 23:00 GMT on Monday.
Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.
