Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that Aston Villa have ‘explored’ the possibility of signing Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas this summer.
The lowdown: Wanted man
Already linked with a move to the Villans in this transfer window, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton have all also been indexed to De Tomas.
However, despite the apparent major interest in his services, the 27-year-old Spain international is yet to secure a move away and has reportedly been awaiting offers from boyhood club Real Madrid, where he came through the youth ranks.
Having allowed Wesley to join La Liga outfit Levante on loan for the upcoming campaign, Steven Gerrard is believed to be on the lookout for additional firepower and one well-informed onlooker has shed some light on the perceived interest in De Tomas from Villa Park…
The latest: ‘Explored’
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – has claimed that Villa have ‘explored’ a deal for the four-cap star.
He said: “I think it’s one that’s been explored.
“I think that ultimately, Steven Gerrard needs to know for sure that it definitely elevates their goal output for next season. That’s what he’s trying to make sure of, there can be no risks taken here.”
The verdict: One needed
Albeit both Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings have proven to be capable operators in the Premier League on multiple occasions, injuries, dips in form and struggles when working as a pair detracted from their ability to lead the line last term.
Behind those two, Gerrard currently only has Keinan Davis and Cameron Archer at his disposal, two vastly inexperienced operators at anything like the level of the top flight, leaving room for at least one frontline addition, particularly given the manager’s preference to utilise a 4-3-3 formation.
A classic number nine also capable of playing across the front three, last season, De Tomas – who was described as possessing a ‘special elegance’ in the way he plays by reputable analysis site Breaking The Lines – scored 17 times and provided three assists in 34 Spanish top-flight outings.
Valued at £22.5million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing the talented Spaniard would be an expensive venture for Johan Lange and the Villa hierarchy – who are also attempting to tie Douglas Luiz down to fresh terms – but would certainly be a welcome addition as the new season looms.
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