Johan Manzambi is expected to undergo an Aston Villa medical on Thursday before completing a club-record move from Freiburg.
Villa have reached a club-to-club agreement for the Switzerland international after moving ahead of Newcastle United in the race for his signature.
According to The Athletic, the fee will exceed the £50m Villa paid Everton for Amadou Onana in 2024. Freiburg will also receive a club-record sum for the midfielder.
Manzambi is due to travel to England before completing his medical and the remaining transfer formalities.
Newcastle had previously agreed terms with Freiburg and appeared well placed to complete the deal. Villa then stepped up their interest after Onana suffered a serious knee injury and Youri Tielemans joined Manchester United.
Manzambi set to strengthen Emery’s midfield
Manzambi impressed during Switzerland’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, registering three goals and two assists in four appearances.
The 20-year-old can operate centrally or in a more advanced midfield role. His energy, movement and ability to progress possession should give Unai Emery greater flexibility.
Villa also saw Manzambi at close range when he played for Freiburg in May’s Europa League final.
His arrival has become a priority following the changes to Emery’s midfield. Onana faces a lengthy period out, while Tielemans’ departure has removed another established option.
As Read Aston Villa reported after full terms were agreed, Manzambi chose Villa despite Newcastle’s earlier progress in negotiations.
The medical remains the final major stage before the deal can be completed. Villa could then confirm the most expensive signing in their history as Emery prepares his squad for another Champions League campaign.
