Aston Villa eye Arsenal star as Acuna alternative as Benfica boss admires Wolves outcast

Aston Villa have continued talks over a possible deal for Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna.

The Argentina international has emerged as a key target for Villa manager Unai Emery after impressing for the La Liga outfit since he moved to the club in September 2020. The 31-year-old helped Sevilla to their Europa League Final win over Roma last season and was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the World Cup last year.

Football Insider have reported Villa have already agreed personal terms with Acuna and are now ramping up their attempts to agree a fee with Sevilla as Emery looks to complete his fifth signing of the summer transfer window.

However, a report by the iNews’ Mark Douglas has also claimed Villa are considering a loan move for Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares as a possible alternative. The Gunners left-back spent last season on loan with Ligue 1 club Marseille and the report has revealed a permanent £13million move to Nottingham Forest collapsed on Saturday. German clubs Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen are also said to have lodged enquiries over a possible move for Tavares.

Benfica manager drops hint over interest in Wolves outcast

Wolves outcast Goncalo Guedes could be handed a chance to secure a permanent move to former club Benfica.

The Portugal international is back at Molineux after spending the second half of last season on loan at the Primeira Liga club . Guedes scored two goals in 15 appearances in all competitions and that seems to have done enough to persuade Benfica manager Roger Schmidt to make another attempt to land the winger on a more permanent basis.

He told Portuguese outlet O Jogo: “It’s an open question. He was a very important player for us. He was unlucky with the injuries. If we get the opportunity, it will be fantastic because he’s a great player. I appreciate him a lot as a player and as a person.”