Aston Villa have been handed a potential boost in their chase for Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa this summer amid a major transfer update.
What’s the story?
Following the Cottagers’ relegation from the Premier League last season, it would be no surprise to see a number of their key players look to move on.
According to previous reports from The Daily Mail, Dean Smith’s Villa side are monitoring developments over Anguissa ahead of a potential move, with Fulham braced for offers for many of their key men.
And now, The Athletic have revealed that Anguissa was left out of the squad to face Middlesbrough in the Championship at the weekend due to his desire to leave.
It’s added that “the 25-year-old midfielder is subject to interest from clubs in Italy, Spain and the Premier League and has made it clear that he does not want to play in the Championship.”
Premier League proven
Joachim Andersen, his teammate at Fulham, has raved about about the £22.5m-rated powerhouse, saying: “He’s a top player. He’s a machine in the midfield. He’s winning so many balls and driving forward with it.”
And, when you compare the key stats between Anguissa and Villa’s own Douglas Luiz, it’s the former who comes out on top.
As per Whoscored, he is defensively far stronger than his Brazilian counterpart, averaging more tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League, and also committing far fewer fouls too – something Villa fans will be relieved to know after Luiz’s mindless challenge to give away a penalty against Manchester United at the weekend.
And, as Andersen said, Anguissa is also adept at driving the ball forward, averaging a whopping 2.7 dribbles per game – far higher than Luiz, and actually only slightly below Jack Grealish with 2.8 in the entire Villa squad.
It’s exactly why Villa should now be pouncing on a move for Anguissa, especially with this recent development. Johan Lange must pounce now.
The fact Anguissa was left out and has made it clear he wants to move, has given Villa the perfect chance to swoop.
Meanwhile, Villa could sign a dream Jack Grealish replacement in this star…