Aston Villa are one of a number of clubs set to battle it out for the signature of Lyon central midfielder Corentin Tolisso.
As reports emerge of a summer scramble for the Lyon midfield general, Villa look set to battle Newcastle and Tottenham for a player who perfectly fits the ‘Emery blueprint.’
With 11 goals to his name this term and a wealth of elite European experience, Tolisso represents a significant statement of intent as Villa look to maintain their status among the Premier League’s top four.
Newcastle United have lined up Tolisso as a potential replacement should one of their star players, Sandro Tonali or Bruno Guimaraes, leave this summer.
Tottenham are also rumoured to be interested in the 31-year-old, however, the threat of relegation and the confirmed absence from European football make any deal difficult.
Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid are the other two clubs keeping tabs on the former French international.
Tolisso’s current deal runs until June 2027, with Lyon running out of time to receive a good fee for him. The French side is said to be asking for €30 million (£26 million).
Career so far
Tolisso began his career at Lyon, climbing through the club’s academy, before making his senior debut at the age of 19, in August 2013. In his first spell at the club, he appeared 160 times, scoring 29 goals and registering 16 assists.
His bright performances and potential talent earned him a move at 23 to Bayern Munich in 2017. The fee was €41.5 million (£35.9 million), the German sides’ record transfer fee at the time.
After spending the next five years at the Allianz Arena, Tolisso returned to his boyhood club on a free transfer. Currently sitting in 15th place in Lyon’s all-time appearances, the centre-midfielder has become a homegrown hero among supporters.
Where would he fit in at Villa?
Villa’s current midfield is stacked with elite players. Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara have been outstanding for the Villans for the past few seasons. They have quickly become integral pieces to Unai Emery’s system.
When both Tielemans and Kamara are fit, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley deputise. All four of them have differing qualities that have helped Villa in different games. Tolisso would certainly be a replacement for one of them.
The most likely candidate would be Barkley, due to his injury record at Villa and the similarities in style with Tolisso. The Englishman has shown his worth to the Villans in the last month, putting in several solid performances. However, interest from Championship clubs is high, and Emery could sanction his departure for a low fee before the expiration of his contract next year.
Tolisso is a box-to-box midfielder who works hard defensively and has a very good technical ability on the ball. Having the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League and the prospect of Champions League football may sway his decision for a move to Villa Park.
Should the deal happen, then Villa will have more quality in depth in the middle of the park.
