Aston Villa submit £12.4m bid for defender 'watched' by Wolves and Brighton
Aston Villa are in talks to sign a defender previously scouted by Wolves and Brighton, while talks continue for Donyell Malen.
Unai Emery has made his first move to strengthen the right side of his defence, sanctioning a bid for Flamengo wing-back Wesley.
Two separate reports in Brazil indicate Villa have seen a first approach for the 21-year-old knocked back but talks are expected to continue. Birmingham World understands Emery is determined to land at least two new signings this January transfer window, namely a right-back and a versatile winger.
Funds are scarce, however, with the Villans still treading a fine line with the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). It’s not as severe as last summer when Villa had to sell Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz for a combined £92.35 million to comply with PSR, but financial resources are still limited.
Reputable Brazilian journalist Venê Casagrande reported on Thursday that Villa offered a fee of €15 million (£12.4m) to sign Wesley but saw it rejected immediately. Flamengo are said to be unwilling to sell the right-back as he’s one of their star assets, but Casagrande adds “we’ll have to see” as clubs are more than entitled to send further bids.
A second source, Globo Esporte, reports Villa’s €15 million proposal was received and rebuffed quickly by Flamengo. The Mengão board were unimpressed by the fee and told Villa as much.
It’s unknown just how big of an offer it would take for Flamengo to crack but Italian Serie A title challengers Atalanta saw a €20 million (£16.6m) approach accepted in the summer. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side so nearly signed Wesley but the deal fell through at the last minute as Flamengo wanted to keep the player until the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
A five-year contract had even been agreed for Wesley to join the UEFA Europa League champions but he was denied the move. What that saga does suggest, though, is that the one-time Libertadores winner would be open to a move to Europe. Villa would be a similar switch for Wesley as Emery’s side, just like Atalanta, are competing in and are expected to progress in the UEFA Champions League.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been keen on Wesley in the past as scouts from both clubs watched the Brazilian in action back in 2023.
Aston Villa still in talks over Donyell Malen transfer
In other transfer news, Villa remain in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over the potential signing of speedy winger Donyell Malen. The news broke on Thursday (January 2) that the Villans had seen an initial bid of €18 million (£14.9m) plus add-ons turned down for the 25-year-old attacker.
Malen has scored 39 goals in 131 games in all competitions for Dortmund, three of which have come this campaign. He helped BVB reach the Champions League final last year but they were beaten in the final by Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium.
The 41-time Netherlands international, once a member of Arsenal’s academy, would be keen on a return to England. Malen told Goal last season: "I think, because I played in England as a youth, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think that is a beautiful dream.”
Asked specifically about a return to Arsenal, Malen added: "Yes I would. I wanted Arsenal [as a teenager], my favourite club. I played there in my youth, I really wanted to break through there.”