Florian Thauvin (Getty Images)
As per Tuttomercato (h/t Birmingham Mail), Aston Villa are interested in signing Marseille star Florian Thauvin ahead of the new season.
The report suggests that the French outfit are demanding €15m for the 27-year-old but Villa could face competition for his signature as Serie A side and Champions League quarter-finalists Atalanta are also keen on the Frenchman.
Born in France, Thauvin spent time at the academies of US Orleans and Grenoble Foot before joining SC Bastia on a free transfer. Two years later, he was signed by Lille but failed to make a single appearance. However, he excelled in his final season with Bastia and earned a move to Marseille in 2013.
Newcastle United signed him after he impressed with Marseille but he endured a torrid time at Tyneside, making just 16 appearances before returning to France. However, since then, his career has scaled to greater heights. He managed to score 15 league goals in 2016/17 and followed it with 22 goals and 11 assists in the following campaign, where he finished as the second-highest scorer in the league.
He continued with the fine form into the 2018/19 campaign, banging 16 goals but a major injury in the following season put him on the sidelines. But he returned to action just before the league was called off due to the pandemic. Thauvin was also a part of the French squad which won the World Cup in 2018.
At the moment, only two right-wingers are available at Dean Smith’s disposal. Anwar El Ghazi spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan and Trezeguet was deployed on the right side of the attack. The Egyptian ace did a decent job, racking up 6 goals and 2 assists but there has been no competition for him.
Jota hasn’t been at his best and moreover, he has just one year left on his contract with the club. And his departure could leave the Midlands club with limited options in the wide areas. Thus, they should consider signing an experienced winger this summer.
In that regard, Thauvin would be a smart signing for the Villans. Though the Frenchman struggled earlier in the Premier League, his career statistics have been at a higher level since then. Predominantly a winger, the former Newcastle man is also adept at playing as an attacking midfielder.
He has made over 300 career appearances and his experience could come in handy for the club, which has lacked experienced campaigners. He has been consistent in the last three seasons and is capable of delivering the goods given he stays away from injuries. He would also bring in healthy competition for the spot, whilst also adding some much-needed quality and depth to the squad.
With limited options in the wide areas, it is clear that Villa are in dire need of wingers and Thauvin could provide them with some much-needed goals if he is able to replicate the same form. Thus, they should manage to lure the Frenchman to Villa Park this summer.
