Aston Villa set to miss out on bargain transfer as £8m Serie A gem set for medical with Premier League rivals

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has done an impressive job since taking over back in 2022. Prior to his move there, he had spells with the likes of Valencia, Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal. He is under contract at Villa Park until the summer of 2029.

Emery’s side missed out on the Champions League last season. They were beaten 2-0 away at Manchester United on the final day at Old Trafford which meant they finished outside of the top five. The Midlands outfit will get the chance to bring in some new signings over the next couple of months.

Aston Villa update regarding transfer target David Coppola

Aston Villa target David Coppola is set to join Brighton and Hove Albion from Hellas Verona. That’s according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim the player is ‘going’ to join the Seagulls for just £8million plus add-ons. Brentford have also been credited with an interest in the Serie A man.

Coppola, 21, is an Italy international with two caps under his belt so far. He has been on the books of his current club for his whole career to date. The centre-back, who stands at 6ft 4inc, is being tipped for a bright future in the game and will get the chance to test himself in England.

The Bussolengo-born man has risen up through Hellas Verona’s academy ranks and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. He then broke into their first-team back in 2021 and hasn’t looked since since. He has made 86 appearances for them in all competitions to date, 35 of which came in the last campaign, and he has chipped in with four goals from defence.

What now for Aston Villa target David Coppola?

It appears Coppola will be joining Brighton instead of Aston Villa which means Emery will need to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements. They have plenty of time to find alternative options before the start of the 2025/26 term. Brentford will also have to seek other targets.

Hellas Verona assistant coach Alberto Bertolini said last year: “Diego is a boy with enormous potential. He’s grown so much in the last two years, not just physically but mentally. In training, you see his hunger to improve, whether it’s his positioning or his distribution. He’s not just a defender who clears the ball; he wants to start plays, and that’s rare for someone his age.

“We’re working with him to refine his decision-making because, at this level, small mistakes can be costly. But I have no doubt he’s going to be a big player for us and, who knows, maybe for the national team one day.”

Aston Villa could have identified him as someone to add more competition and depth to their defensive ranks. He is still young and has potential to grow and develop down the line. Brighton appear to have pipped them in this particular pursuit though as they gear up for another year under the guidance of 32-year-old Fabian Hurzeler.