Aston Villa are actively pursuing defensive reinforcements in the current transfer window, with reports from Graeme Bailey in TBR Football indicating their interest in Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo. This move comes in light of concerns regarding Matty Cash's fitness and the uncertain future of Diego Carlos, prompting the club to seek additional depth in their backline.
Mingueza, a 25-year-old versatile defender, is an attractive option for Villa due to his ability to play in various positions across the defence. The club has been engaged in discussions regarding a potential transfer for some time and appears to have made progress in negotiations to secure the services of the former Barcelona player, who joined Celta Vigo in the summer of 2022.
Despite a busy summer transfer window, Aston Villa seem poised for further activity as the season unfolds. Diego Carlos has expressed a desire to leave the club amid interest from Turkish teams, which could lead to a reshaping of the squad. The potential acquisition of Mingueza is seen as a strategic move to enhance both immediate and long-term defensive stability.
Monchi, Aston Villa's sporting director, was recently spotted scouting Mingueza during a match against Rayo Vallecano, highlighting the club's serious interest in the player. However, according to Football Insider, negotiations may encounter challenges, as Celta Vigo are reportedly reluctant to part with the Spanish international during the mid-season transfer window.
Celta Vigo is expected to demand a significant fee for Mingueza, which could complicate Aston Villa's efforts, particularly given their constrained financial situation following substantial summer expenditures. Consequently, the club may need to explore alternative targets or reconsider their pursuit of Mingueza, potentially delaying any move until the summer transfer window.
In summary, Aston Villa’s interest in Oscar Mingueza underscores their strategic approach to strengthening their defensive lineup amid ongoing challenges. Whether they can successfully navigate the complexities of this transfer remains to be seen, but it is certainly a situation worth monitoring as the window progresses.