Mounir Chuiar has been linked with a move to Leeds United (Getty Images)
According to L’Equipe via Inside Futbol (h/t Birmingham Mail), Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in Dijon winger Mounir Chouiar.
The 21-year-old Chouiar has had a breakthrough season, scoring 6 goals from 24 appearances across all competitions for Ligue 1 side Dijon.
Rising talent Chouiar had earlier joined Dijon shortly after the beginning of the season following a bright start with Ligue 2 side Lens, where he scored two goals in four games.
He moved to Dijon for just over £3million and has earned a starting role with the club, making 20 league appearances despite it being his first season. Meanwhile, Chouiar’s performances for Dijon haven’t gone unnoticed with several clubs such as Villa, Parma, Sevilla, Fiorentina, and Celta Vigo now interested in him.
Back in April, a report from France had claimed that Villa were closely monitoring the young winger’s development. Dean Smith’s Aston Villa have endured a difficult campaign in the league so far.
Despite achieving promotion to the Premier League just last summer, the Villans are on the verge of relegation. Lack of creativity and sharpness in the attack has been one of the major reasons for Villa’s dismal show in the league this term.
Except for skipper Jack Grealish, who has 7 goals and 6 assists to his name, none of the side’s attackers has impressed this season. Villa had even bought wingers Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi last summer to bolster the side’s chances of staying in the top-flight in their first season after achieving promotion.
However, both Trezeguet and El Ghazi have failed to deliver, scoring three and four goals respectively in the league this season. Apart from the two newcomers, Villa also roped in experienced winger Jota from Birmingham City last summer.
However, the Spaniard is not Smith’s favourite, having made just nine league appearances so far this term. With none of the side’s new wingers living up to the expectations, it would not be bad for Villa to sign the in-form Chouiar, who is valued at around £7million by Dijon.
Moreover, he is still young and could prove to be an excellent future signing for the club, irrespective of whether they stay in the top-flight or get relegated.
Aston Villa lack consistent performers in their attack, especially in the wings. This has clearly affected the side’s performance this season. That said, Chouiar’s arrival will only make them stronger in the upcoming seasons. Having proved himself in the French top-flight, he is not short of talent and could develop even more under Smith’s guidance if everything goes well.
