Mounir Chuiar has been linked with a move to Leeds United (Getty Images)
As per L’Equipe (h/t Birmingham Mail), Aston Villa are monitoring FC Dijon winger Mounir Chouiar ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chouiar, 21, came through the ranks of Lens’ youth system and was promoted to the club’s senior set-up in 2017. Though he initially struggled, he became a regular member in the last two campaigns and his performances earned him a move to Dijon last September.
Despite his tender age, the Frenchman has done his best and has helped his side move out of the relegation zone before the league got suspended. He has been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 and has also garnered attention from several other clubs including Parma, Fiorentina and Nice, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Dean Smith’s men have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, except for club captain Jack Grealish, who has been the lone warrior in the team. The Villans are currently 19th in the league table after winning just one of their last 7 league games. They are at risk of returning to the Championship.
Despite making 12 new signings last summer, Villa have failed to put in a string of consistent performances. Their defensive unit has conceded 56 goals so far and that is a part of the reason for their failure in the top-flight.
However, the manager should also bring in reinforcements to the attacking unit, which has scored just 34 goals in 28 games. Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Jota are the only three wingers available at the manager’s disposal and all of them have had indifferent seasons. The Spaniard has been used barely throughout the campaign and Villa needs to add competition to the players up front.
In that regard, signing Chouiar from FC Dijon would be a wise move by the club. He has gone from strength to strength in the past two years and has been instrumental for Dijon this season, scoring 4 goals in the 18 games starts he has made this term.
The French U21 international would be a valuable addition to Smith’s squad if he is able to develop himself and continue with the fine form. He would also bring in a healthy competition to El Ghazi and Trezeguet on the wide areas. He has the ability to succeed at a higher level.
At 21, he has a huge future ahead and Villa need to add to their attacking unit if they are to progress in the future. And Chouiar could provide them with the much-needed depth on the wings and also the required extra goals. Thus, Villa must lure the young Frenchman to Villa Park this summer.
