Latest Aston Villa transfer news and gossip as Saudi Pro League club are said to be keen on one of Unai Emery’s key players
Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has been shortlisted by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, according to reports.
The Spaniard, who arrived at Villa Park from Villareal two years ago, has been an ever-present under Unai Emery, making 73 appearances, scoring two goals and notching four assists across all competitions.
He played a starring role as the Villans qualified for Champions League football in 2023/2024 and went close again last term when finishing sixth in the Premier League.
Now Footmercato claim the centre-back has emerged as a potential target for Al-Nassr, with manager Jorge Jesus wanting the 28-year-old’s tenacity and defensive acumen behind global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The report says Torres is one of a number of options being considered by Al-Nassr, who continues to hold talks with Bayern Munich over their South Korean defender Kim Min-jae.
Emery has plenty of options in central defence, with stalwart Tyrone Mings at his disposal to fill Torres’ left-sided centre-half role if needed.
Other include Ezri Konsa, Lamare Bogarde and Yasin Ozcan, who arrived in the Midlands from Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa earlier this summer.
Transfermarkt value Torres at £32 million and selling the player could give Villa transfer guru Monchi a significant boost when it comes to meeting the club’s Premier League and UEFA spending obligations.
His departure would be the eighth from Villa so far this summer, following the likes of Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Enzo Barrenechea, Phillipe Coutinho, Robin Olsen, Filip Marschall, Oliwier Zych and Kortney Hause through the exit door.
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