Ross Barkley has impressed for Aston Villa since joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea and 90min claimed that a permanent move could be in the offing.
The 27-year-old has thrived playing on a regular basis under Dean Smith, but it remains to be seen if he’ll call time at Stamford Bridge just yet. Barkley fell out of favour under Frank Lampard and dropped behind Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount in the midfield pecking order, but Thomas Tuchel is now in charge and might want to look at the England international before deciding on his future.
This writer did suggest that No.10s aren’t popular with Tuchel, but 90min claimed that Barkley’s future is up in the air. Villa are already paying the entirely of his £110,000-per-week wages and would have to bid £40m to procure his signature, so he would be an expensive acquisition.
The decision for Smith is whether he is worth that expense. Barkley has made 12 Premier League appearances for Villa, scoring three goals and providing one assist. He has created 24 chances and made 18 successful dribbles (WhoScored), so he has been a great foil to Jack Grealish.
If Tuchel has scouts paying attention to Barkley’s form, he might want a closer look next season.
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Barkley would be an impressive acquisition, but his asking price might be a problem for Villa.
It’s a lot of money for the 27-year-old, who also takes home £5.72m per year in wages, so time will tell whether a deal can materialise.
