Aston Villa ‘begin discussions’ to sign £10m champion who would ‘complete the jigsaw’

Aston Villa have reportedly opened discussions with Sevilla over the potential signing of World Cup winner Gonzalo Montiel in the summer transfer window.

Unai Emery wants a new right-back to fill the void left following the departure of club legend Ashley Young. Matty Cash, Calum Chambers and Ezri Konsa are those currently competing.

Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in arguably one of the best World Cup finals in history, could be the man to complete the defensive jigsaw.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Villa, due to a direct request from Emery, are “keeping tabs” on the 26-year-old with an official approach being prepared.

Meanwhile, Estadio Deportivo reports the Villans’ new sporting director, Monchi, wants Montiel to follow in his footsteps by switching Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for Villa Park.

It’s said basic contacts have already been established between the two clubs as Villa aim to add depth. There is, however, competition from the Russian Premier League.

Montiel, who made one start and three substitute appearances for Argentina before lifting the World Cup in 2022, has played 71 times for Sevilla.

The defender, 164 days after his heroics in Qatar, netted from the spot to secure a major international trophy at club level – as Sevilla won the 2022/23 Europa League.

Before making his £10 million move to La Liga in 2021, Montiel played 140 times for CA River Plate. The highlight of his time with River was winning Copa Libertadores in 2018.