Aston Villa handed Giovani Lo Celso boost as interest confirmed

Napoli could be about to pull out of the race to sign Giovani Lo Celso this summer, something that could be a big boost to Aston Villa hopes of signing the midfielder.

The Tottenham midfielder is available for transfer after spending the last 18 months on loan at Villarreal. It was Villa manager Unai Emery who originally signed the Argentine for the Spanish side.

It seems Emery is now keen on a reunion this summer, if reports are to be believed. BirminghamLive understands Lo Celso is included on Villa’s list of targets. Tottenham are likely to sanction a deal, but are said to want an obligation to buy included in any loan agreement.

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It was confirmed by Lo Celso’s agent that Napoli had opened talks with Spurs over a potential deal. “They (Napoli and Tottenham) are talking about it, but for the moment nothing is closed yet,” he told Radio Punto Nuovo.

But all this comes amid uncertainty over the future of Piotr Zielinski. The 29-year-old is out of contract with the Italian club next summer, and Napoli are willing to sell him if he doesn’t sign a new deal.

However, according to Football Italia , Zielinski is now ready to commit his future to Napoli, meaning the Serie A champions are likely to drop their interest in Lo Celso.

Barcelona and Real Betis are the other two clubs linked with the Tottenham man. Betis director Ramon Planes has confirmed his club’s interest in the player, telling a press conference this week: “Lo Celso is a high-level player, so we have to be ready. Betis are working to improve and take a step forward with good players and Lo Celso is among those.”

Would Lo Celso be a good signing for Villa? Tell us in the comments section

Villa have shown their intent ahead of the new season with the big-money signing of Pau Torres, and the canny free signing of Youri Tielemans.

There’s also the small matter of a European campaign as Villa prepare to battle with other teams from abroad.

The aim is simple, to finish the highest they have done for some time in the Premier League, and to compete for trophies.

There are exciting visions on and off the field at Villa and this season is the perfect time to realise some of the club’s ambitions.

Join us as we look ahead to an exciting season for Aston Villa with a special edition preview paper.

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