Aston Villa are currently assessing the potential acquisition of Marc Pubill as they seek alternatives to Oscar Mingueza in their pursuit of a new right-back. This development has been reported by Diario de Almeria via Sport Witness, shedding light on the Premier League club's intentions to bolster their squad ahead of the January transfer window.
Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Aston Villa are keen to enhance their defensive capabilities, with a particular focus on the right-back position. The club's previous attempt to secure Lutsharel Geertruida last summer fell short, prompting a renewed commitment to identify a top-quality player for this crucial role.
The interest in Mingueza is well-documented, with reports indicating that Monchi, the club's director of football, attended a recent match against Rayo Vallecano to observe the Celta Vigo defender. Emery holds Mingueza in high esteem, believing that his addition could significantly strengthen the squad. However, complications have arisen regarding the feasibility of this transfer, especially with AC Milan reportedly vying for the player's signature—a move that Mingueza is said to favour. Additionally, Celta Vigo may prefer to engage in negotiations with RB Leipzig, further complicating Aston Villa's pursuit. As it stands, concrete confirmations regarding Mingueza's situation remain elusive, leaving the club's interest in him somewhat uncertain.
In parallel to their pursuit of Mingueza, Villa are exploring other options within Spain's top flight. Marc Pubill, currently plying his trade with Almeria, has emerged as a credible alternative. The right-back has been in impressive form this season, attracting interest from several clubs. Notably, he was part of the Spanish squad that clinched Olympic Gold in Paris earlier this summer, which has significantly raised his profile. Despite interest from prestigious clubs such as Barcelona, Pubill opted to remain with Almeria for the time being.
Pubill's release clause is set at €40 million, and initial negotiations are expected to see Almeria request a figure close to this amount. However, there is a sense of optimism within Villa that they could negotiate a more favourable price if discussions commence promptly.
While Pubill is viewed as a viable option, Mingueza remains Aston Villa's primary target. The club's determination to secure a right-back is evident, with aspirations of finalising a deal for either Mingueza, Pubill, or another candidate before the transfer window closes. As highlighted by The Hard Tackle, the coming weeks will be pivotal for Aston Villa as they aim to effectively reinforce their squad.