Aston Villa are closing in on Pervis Estupiñán after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the AC Milan left-back.
Negotiations between Villa and Milan have now reached an advanced stage, with Unai Emery optimistic about reuniting with the Ecuador international.
The Telegraph, via SempreMilan, reports that a fee of around €15m, approximately £13m, could be enough to complete the transfer. Milan are prepared to sanction Estupiñán’s departure only one year after signing him from Brighton.
Earlier reports placed the Italian club’s valuation closer to €20m. However, the remaining financial gap now appears small enough for both clubs to find an agreement.
Estupiñán deal would complete Villa’s left-back reset
Emery has identified Estupiñán as a leading option following Lucas Digne’s expected return to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 28-year-old previously worked under the Villa manager at Villarreal before joining Brighton in 2022. He made 84 Premier League appearances during three seasons on the south coast, contributing four goals and 14 assists.
Estupiñán’s pace and attacking ability would provide experienced competition for Ian Maatsen. Villa continue to view Maatsen as their long-term first choice rather than a player who would be replaced by the Milan defender.
Read Aston Villa previously reported that talks were advancing, with Milan already considering possible replacements for Estupiñán.
The Ecuador international is understood to be keen on returning to England. The opportunity to work with Emery again and compete in the Champions League has strengthened Villa’s position.
His arrival would also prevent Villa entering the new season with Maatsen as their only established left-back. Digne is expected to join PSG after the French club moved to trigger the release clause in his contract.
Only the final transfer fee now appears to separate Estupiñán from a return to the Premier League.
