Aston Villa have held talks with Juventus over the potential signing of American midfielder Weston McKennie, according to HITC. The 25-year-old has impressed in Serie A, despite struggling during his previous spell in the Premier League with Leeds United.
Villa’s interest in McKennie comes as no surprise, given his impressive form for Juventus last season. The midfielder has become a key player for the Italian giants, and his performances have attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs.
However, it’s Aston Villa who have taken the lead in the race to sign McKennie, with talks already held between the two clubs. The Villans are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season, and McKennie’s versatility and quality would make him an excellent addition.
But why is McKennie a better option for Aston Villa than Kalvin Phillips, who has also been linked with a move to the Midlands club? Firstly, McKennie’s experience in Serie A and the Champions League makes him a more attractive prospect than Phillips, who has only played in the Premier League.
McKennie’s ability to play in various midfield roles is also a major advantage over Phillips, who is primarily a defensive midfielder. McKennie’s vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability make him a more well-rounded player, and his adaptability would be a valuable asset for Villa.
Furthermore, McKennie’s international experience with the United States national team is another factor in his favor. The midfielder has already gained valuable experience playing in high-pressure games, and his performances on the international stage have been impressive.
In contrast, Phillips has struggled to replicate his club form for England, and his lack of international experience is a concern. While Phillips is an excellent player in his own right, McKennie’s all-around ability and experience make him a more attractive prospect for Aston Villa.
Juventus are willing to sell McKennie this summer, with the Italian giants closing in on the appointment of Thiago Motta as their new coach. The arrival of Motta is expected to lead to a clear-out of some of Juventus’ high-profile players, with McKennie likely to be one of those sacrificed.
Aston Villa’s interest in McKennie is not the only transfer business they are conducting this summer. The club is also in talks with Douglas Luiz over a new contract, although no agreement has been reached yet. Luiz’s future at Villa Park is uncertain, and Juventus were given little encouragement when they enquired about signing the Brazilian midfielder.
Villa’s qualification for the Champions League under Unai Emery has given the club a significant boost in the transfer market, and they are now in a position to attract top talent like McKennie. The signing of the American midfielder would be a major coup for Villa, and would demonstrate their ambition to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.
In conclusion, Aston Villa’s interest in Weston McKennie is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season. McKennie’s versatility, quality, and international experience make him a more attractive prospect than Kalvin Phillips, and his signing would be a major coup for the Villans. With Juventus willing to sell, Villa are in pole position to secure the midfielder’s signature, and his arrival would be a significant boost to their squad.