'Over the line' - Aston Villa secure blockbuster deadline day signing in blow to Newcastle United
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Marco Asensio has been unveiled as an Aston Villa player after putting pen to paper on a six-month loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain.
Unai Emery was determined to land replacements for both Jhon Duran and Emiliano Buendia and he’s done just that, signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United earlier in the day and now landing Asensio in yet another blockbuster deal.
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Hide AdIt’s just a straight loan move for Asensio – he hasn’t joined with the view to a permanent transfer in the summer like Rashford has. The 29-year-old instead arrives for the next six months, eager to help Villa achieve their ambitions of finishing in the Premier League top four and progressing far in the UEFA Champions League.
Birmingham World reported after Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers that talks had advanced during the day for Asensio. The Athletic then revealed a full agreement had been reached for the Spaniard to make the move to B6 for the rest of the campaign. A couple of days later, he’s officially a Villan.
Asensio’s arrival comes as a blow to the Premier League clubs gunning for a top-four finish - possibly top five if the UEFA coefficiency goes England’s way - as he’s likely to make a big impact. Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth are all within four points of Emery’s side as it stands
How will Marco Asensio fit in at Aston Villa?
Three times a Champions League champion and capped on 38 occasions by Spain, Asensio arrives at Villa Park with a wealth of valuable experience. The attacking midfielder, also capable of playing on either flank or as a centre-forward, can be world-class on his day and can be utilised in a whole host of ways by Emery.
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Hide AdWhether it be out on the left to rotate in for Rashford and Jacob Ramsey, on the right as an alternative to Leon Bailey and Donyell Malen, or even as a number 10 to fill in for Morgan Rogers, Asensio should provide Villa some healthy competition.
The only downside, really, is that it may take Emery’s latest signing a little while to get up to speed and settle into a rhythm as he has played just 755 minutes so far this season. Paris Saint-Germain utilised Asensio as more of a rotation option, head coach Luis Enrique preferring the likes of Kang-in Lee, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Destiny Doue in the starting lineup.
Will there be any other Villa incomings before the deadline?
A new defensive signing is still possible as Villa have been working in the background to assess a host of targets but time is running out. Chelsea defender Axel Disasi looked dead-set to join on a six-month loan deal - and the player agreed personal terms almost a week ago - but the Blues’ demands for a loan fee have been excessive.
Villa’s defensive frailties were certainly exposed on Saturday as Boubacar Kamara had to fill in for a second successive match as an auxiliary centre-half. Tyrone Mings should be back fairly soon but Emery won’t want to be light on the ground with so many crucial games coming up over the next few months.
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