Aston Villa plot double £55.2m transfer raid as Arsenal and Man United bids rejected

Aston Villa have been scouting Italy and are said to be interested in signing two Serie A defenders - which would cost them just over £55m.

Italian newspapers are reporting that Villa are interested in signing Torino star Raoul Bellanova. Scouts watched over Bellanova who featured in a 3-1 win over Milan with the right wing-back providing an assist.

Villa are said to have watched over the 24-year-old several times this season, and that there is also interest from West Ham and Manchester United. Should Villa or their two Premier League rivals wish to secure his services then he will cost at least €25m, which is around £21.2m.

Bellanova has only been at Torino for a year but has played regularly, featuring in 38 games in all competitions with seven assists and one goal. He was previously on the books of Inter Milan, and has played three times before in the Champions League, including in the final against Manchester City last season.

A right-back could be on the agenda this season with Ezri Konsa deputising for Matty Cash when the Poland international has been unavailable. Bellanova has one cap for the Italian national team, which came against Ecuador in March 2024.

Aston Villa are also believed to be interested in signing Italy defender Andrea Cambiaso, who is valued at £34m by Juventus. Juventus are already said to have rejected approaches from Arsenal and Man United after the two made contact.

A meeting has now been set up with the player's agent to discuss signing a new contract which would see a raise in his wages, he is under contract until 2027.

The 24-year-old joined the Serie A giants for a reported €13.3m in 2022, but spent last season on loan at league rivals Bologna. Cambiaso has played regularly for the Old Lady this season, playing in 39 games, and has created six goals whilst getting on the scoresheet three times.

A €40m offer has been suggested by Alfredo Pedulla, and that would represent a sizeable fee for a left-back. Villa already have Lucas Digne as an option, as well as Alex Moreno.