Aston Villa Favourites to Sign Pau Torres
Aston Villa have emerged as favourites to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who has long been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham, and has attracted the interest of Juventus. The 26-year-old has emerged as an integral player for Villarreal over the last four seasons, winning the Europa League in 2021 and picking up 23 caps for Spain.
Manchester United and Tottenham Interest
His performances have seen him heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the last couple of seasons, with Manchester United keen and Tottenham making an unsuccessful bid for his services. Spanish publication Marca report that it is now Aston Villa who look likeliest to sign Torres this summer, though, although the move is far from guaranteed yet.
Villarreal’s Asking Price
The report states that Torres has decided this summer is the time to move on from Villarreal, but the club want around £40m for him, with just one year left on the defender’s contract. Villa are not keen on paying that kind of fee and will need to come to do some haggling if they want to get the man that Emery is very keen on. Emery was at Villarreal for two seasons before moving to Villa last year so knows Torres well, with the pair winning that 2021 Europa League together, beating Manchester United in the final.
Juventus Interest
Other Premier League interest in Torres appears to have cooled, but Marca report that Juventus remain keen on signing him. The Italian giants have not yet made a bid for the defender, but will provide competition to Aston Villa, although the Old Lady can only offer Europa Conference League football, the same competition the Villains will compete in this season.
Conclusion
Aston Villa appear to be in pole position to sign Pau Torres this summer, but they will need to negotiate a fee with Villarreal if they are to get their man. Juventus remain keen on signing him too, but they can only offer Europa Conference League football which may not be enough to tempt him away from the Premier League.