Aston Villa are preparing a fresh contract proposal for Lamare Bogarde after Unai Emery blocked Premier League clubs from taking the 22-year-old away from Villa Park this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Villa rejected proposals for Bogarde from Premier League sides, including Ipswich Town and Brighton, because Emery wanted the versatile midfielder to remain part of his squad.
Villa are now preparing new terms for the Netherlands youth international.
Aston Villa make Lamare Bogarde contract move after Emery decision
The development represents genuine progression from earlier in the summer.
Read Aston Villa reported in May that Bogarde was already in talks with the club over a new contract, with Brighton interest surrounding him at that stage.
The significant difference now is that Villa have subsequently rejected Premier League approaches and are preparing a new proposal after Emery personally pushed to keep him.
Bogarde’s versatility makes that decision understandable.
The 22-year-old can operate in central midfield and across the defence, providing Emery with cover in several positions during a season that also includes Champions League football.
He was included in Villa’s UEFA Super Cup squad during August and has remained around the senior group despite the extensive summer rebuild. His Read Aston Villa player profile lists him as part of Emery’s first-team midfield options.
Bogarde’s importance could also increase in the short term.
João Gomes is suspended following his red card against Brighton, while Villa continue to manage midfield fitness issues. Read Aston Villa’s predicted XI against Arsenal highlighted Bogarde as one of Emery’s options alongside Boubacar Kamara.
After a summer in which Villa sanctioned numerous major departures, Emery’s refusal to let Bogarde follow them is a strong indication of where the youngster sits in his plans.
A new contract would now underline that stance further.
