Aston Villa transfer theory emerges for Newcastle United target following club announcement

Aston Villa have announced their official squad numbers ahead of the start of the 2023/24 campaign and a transfer theory has emerged based on the ones that weren’t filled.

Following a potentially season-ending injury for attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendía, the Villans are in the market for a replacement, whether that be for the short or long-term.

Nicolò Zaniolo has been widely touted as a target high up on Villa’s list, with initial contact already made to the Italian’s current club, Galatasaray.

Juventus, Newcastle United and Zenit Saint Petersburg are also keen, however, which could make things a bit tricky.

Supporters seem – for the most part – to be delighted with Emery’s choice of target and some are getting rather optimistic a deal is at a more advanced stage than what has been reported.

This is due to the fact Villa have left squad numbers 17 and 22 both free. Zaniolo held the 22 at AS Roma for five seasons, whereas he has donned the 17 ever since signing for Galatasaray.

What perhaps makes this even more concrete rather than coincidence is the fact young Colombian forward Jhon Duran has changed his number from 24, allowing his previous 22 to become vacant.

Villa could of course still sign somebody else and hand said number to that player, but things are certainly pointing in the right direction. Emery and Monchi just need to fend off the competition.

What are Aston Villa’s squad numbers?

1-20:

1 Emi Martinez; 2 Matty Cash; 3 Diego Carlos; 4 Ezri Konsa; 5 Tyrone Mings; 6 Douglas Luiz; 7 John McGinn; 8 Youri Tielemans; 9 Bertrand Traoré; 10 Emi Buendía; 11 Ollie Watkins; 12 Lucas Digne; 14 Pau Torres; 15 Álex Moreno; 16 Calum Chambers; 19 Moussa Diaby.

23 Philippe Coutinho; 24 Jhon Duran; 25 Robin Olsen; 31 Leon Bailey; 32 Leander Dendoncker; 33 Jaden Philogene; 35 Cameron Archer; 41 Jacob Ramsey; 44 Boubacar Kamara; 47 Tim Iroegbunam.