Aston Villa have been urged to consider a move for Martin Baturina as Unai Emery continues searching for ways to replace Morgan Rogers following his £117million Chelsea departure.
Rogers’ exit has removed one of Villa’s biggest sources of goals and creativity from last season, despite the club already investing significantly in reshaping Emery’s squad.
European football expert Andy Brassell believes Como star Baturina could offer an intriguing solution.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell identified the Croatia international as a player Villa should consider following Rogers’ departure.
Aston Villa handed Martin Baturina solution
Baturina has already attracted Premier League attention.
Manchester United and Tottenham have both been linked with the 23-year-old, while Villa have also previously been credited with interest.
His performances in Italy last season underline why.
Baturina recorded eight goals and four assists for Como and further enhanced his reputation by scoring for Croatia at the World Cup.
Brassell believes Baturina would not necessarily replicate Rogers stylistically but could provide Villa with another source of goals and creativity in advanced areas.
That distinction is important.
Replacing Rogers does not necessarily require Emery to find another player with exactly the same profile. Villa instead need to replace the huge attacking output they lost when the England international moved to Chelsea.
The club are already exploring several solutions.
Read Aston Villa reported on Tuesday that Villa had made an enquiry for AC Milan attacker Christopher Nkunku, another player capable of operating across several attacking positions.
Baturina would offer a younger alternative.
Martin Baturina transfer would not come cheaply
Convincing Como to sell could prove difficult.
Club president Mirwan Suwarso has previously made clear that Como are in a strong enough financial position to resist offers for their leading players, meaning Villa could not expect an easy negotiation.
Competition would also complicate matters if Manchester United or Tottenham firm up their own interest.
There is currently no indication that Villa have submitted a fresh offer for Baturina.
But after losing Rogers, Villa still need to ensure Emery has sufficient creativity and goal threat available behind his striker.
Baturina’s development in Serie A and at international level makes him an intriguing name should Villa decide another major attacking addition is required before the window closes.
