Aston Villa Join Newcastle United in the Race to Sign £25m Defender – Report | OneFootball

Aston Villa Leads the Race for AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori Amid Premier League Interest

In a recent development that has caught the attention of several top Premier League clubs, Fikayo Tomori’s tenure at AC Milan appears to be drawing to a close. According to reliable sources, including the insightful report from Milan Live, Aston Villa, alongside West Ham United, is set to challenge Newcastle United for the signature of the Serie A standout during the upcoming January transfer window.

Tomori, previously an integral part of Milan’s defensive setup, has found himself more frequently on the bench due to rising competition from teammates Malick Thiaw and Matteo Gabbia. As a result, he has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, instructing his agent to initiate talks with interested parties. This move is driven by his frustration over reduced playing time which, as TEAMtalk points out, could potentially hinder his career progression.

Photo: IMAGO

Premier League Return on the Cards

Milan’s stance on Tomori’s situation is quite clear; they are prepared to let him go to avoid his market value decreasing further, especially as he is not keen on continuing in Serie A. While Juventus showed interest in Tomori as a potential replacement for the injured Gleison Bremer, Milan’s reluctance to sell to a domestic rival opens a pathway back to England for Tomori.

With a price tag set at €30million (£24.9m / $31.2m), both Aston Villa and West Ham find themselves well-positioned to afford the transfer, making this a feasible option for the clubs. Newcastle, despite being early favourites, will now face fierce competition from these clubs.

Potential Impact at Aston Villa

Should Tomori make the move to Villa Park, he would join a squad with a robust defensive lineup including Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa, and Tyrone Mings. His arrival would undoubtedly raise the competitive spirit within the team, potentially elevating their defensive game to new heights.

The English centre-back’s experience in Serie A, where he quickly made a significant impact after leaving Chelsea, demonstrates his capability to adapt and excel under pressure. This adaptability could prove invaluable in Aston Villa’s campaign to strengthen their defensive ranks.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Implications for AC Milan

Milan’s decision to possibly ‘sacrifice’ Tomori is seen as a strategic move to rejuvenate their squad. Reports suggest that the funds from his sale would be redirected towards securing a top defensive talent, with Mario Gila from Lazio cited as a target following his excellent form this season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Aston Villa supporter, the prospect of Fikayo Tomori joining our ranks is an exciting one. His proven track record at Milan and initial burst onto the scene with Chelsea highlight a player of high calibre, capable of making an immediate impact. While Newcastle and West Ham are formidable competitors in this transfer battle, Villa’s clear intent and potential offer a promising setting for Tomori.

The thought of Tomori lining up alongside the likes of Torres and Mings is not only thrilling but also reassures us of the club’s ambitions. His addition could be the key to transforming our defensive setups, which has been an area of concern. Moreover, his eagerness to return to the Premier League and re-establish himself in the England squad under Thomas Tuchel speaks volumes about his motivation and drive. We can hope that this move would not only bolster our defence but also reignite Tomori’s career, making it a win-win situation for both parties involved.

Overall, Aston Villa stepping up to secure a player of Tomori’s stature could be a pivotal moment in our season, and as fans, we are hopeful and optimistic about the impact his arrival could have.