Transfer twist in Nicolo Zaniolo to Aston Villa saga as ‘mandatory’ claim emerges

Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Nicolo Zaniolo on a season-long loan deal from Galatasaray, with medical tests completed and a late, positive twist emerging.

Unai Emery and Monchi have their man after a week or so of negotiating with the Turkish Süper Lig giants, and they’ve managed to strike an effective deal.

With plenty of temporary agreements in this day and age, a mandatory buy clause will be inserted to ensure the selling club are guaranteed a decent enough transfer fee.

In this case, however, Villa have accomplished a clever workaround that means they will only sign Zaniolo permanently following his loan if a certain clause is activated.

Said clause, according to reliable Turkish journalist Mehmet Özcan, means Villa will only be compelled to sign Zaniolo for good if the Italian plays 30 matches or more.

If he does – or if Villa decide they want to sign him regardless – €22 million (£18.9 million) will be owed to Galatasaray. There’s also a £3.4 million fee for the loan.

Expected to be announced as a new member of Emery’s squad on Friday, the attacking midfielder is likely to play a key role, both in the Premier League and in Europe.

This is especially the case after the serious knee injury suffered by Emiliano Buendía last week, as a spot has naturally freed up in the matchday squad.

Will Villa sign anyone else?

BirminghamWorld understands Emery’s side will not be finished in the transfer market following the signing of Zaniolo, with another forward desired.

It hasn’t been specified if it’s an out-and-out striker or someone a bit deeper that’s wanted, but Villa are still trying to bolster their attacking options regardless.

Meanwhile, reports have been circulating widely about bids being submitted for World Cup winner Marcos Acuña. That’s certainly a story to watch out for.