Talks underway as Aston Villa push for landmark midfield signing - player keen on move

Aston Villa are eager to sign Marco Asensio permanently from Paris Saint-Germain and have recently held talks with the French giants over the possibility of doing just that, Birmingham World understands.

Asensio spent the second half of the season at Villa in a straight loan deal covering all of his wages, without a buy option. The 29-year-old, who quickly became a fan favourite at Villa Park, could still join for the long term as the Villans hold a strong interest and are hopeful of completing a deal.

It’s understood Unai Emery is obsessed with the idea of signing Asensio permanently and has requested that the attacking midfielder’s long-term future is secured. Emery was initially keen to bring Asensio to Villa Park before he went to PSG in the first place back in August 2023, so it’s not a surprise that the head coach is pushing for it again now.

Asensio, a 38-time Spain international, is believed to still be keen on the move despite Villa’s failure to qualify for the Champions League. The same cannot be said for Marcus Rashford as he will be looking for an alternative permanent transfer away from Manchester United, but Asensio isn’t as fussed.

It’s safe to say Asensio has made a huge impression and would be a popular addition amongst supporters. Three times a Champions League winner with Real Madrid and now crowned for a fourth time thanks to his appearances for PSG earlier in the campaign, the attacking midfielder scored eight goals and provided one assist in his first 10 appearances for the Villans, rapidly surpassing his tally of seven goals in 47 games for PSG across the past two seasons.

Asensio’s output certainly slowed as he failed to register a single direct goal involvement in his 11 most recent outings, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t continue to dazzle. The way he glides on the ball and picks out passes through the eye of a needle gets fans off their seats and his late runs into the box always cause problems for opposition defenders.

There could be a hint in Asensio’s recent Instagram post that he will join the long term, too, with the final line sticking out. Sharing to his 15 million followers, Asensio said: “A big thank you for this season! I’ve felt at home since day one and had very special moments, grateful to be part of this team. We left everything on the field to fight for the club’s objectives. Proud of the effort. Looking forward to what’s ahead.”

As Asensio’s PSG contract expires in 12 months’ time, Villa could acquire his services for a bargain fee – likely in the region of £12 million. As it’s such a minimal figure, PSR shouldn’t get in the way of Villa making the deal a reality. Asensio’s wages could be a sticking point but it’s hoped a compromise can be reached.

One downside of Asensio signing on permanently could be Morgan Rogers having to remain out to the right wing. Asensio insisted when he joined that he wanted to play the number 10 role after being deployed on the right by PSG, so Rogers has been shifted out to the flank to facilitate that.

Rogers, recently named Villa’s young player of the season, has still played well on the right but hasn’t quite been as efficient in the final third. Emery will need to consider how he can get the best out of both players and whether the current approach is achieving that. Either way, Asensio could be a brilliant addition.