Atalanta and Villarreal battling to land player Aston Villa can sign 'in an instant'
Two Europa League-winning clubs have initiated contact to buy an Aston Villa midfielder signed by Unai Emery.
Atalanta and Villarreal are reportedly in talks to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray this summer following the completion of his season-long spell at Aston Villa.
Emery signed the Italian international last August on a loan-to-buy basis but inconsistencies throughout the campaign - as well as ongoing financial issues - mean Villa have decided against a permanent deal.
Zaniolo started slowly upon his arrival at Villa Park, rarely starting and struggling to make an impact off the bench. But after a sit down with Emery in the winter, the attacking midfielder sparked into form with a host of impressive displays both in the XI and as a substitute.
Despite the brief resurgence, Zaniolo suffered a succession of injuries and finished the campaign with just three goals in 40 appearances, spanning across 1,363 minutes. Villa can still purchase the 24-year-old for around £22 million but the decision has already been made by Emery and Monchi to turn down the option.
Zaniolo at centre of imminent bidding war
Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports Serie A dark horses Atalanta and La Liga outfit Villarreal are monitoring Zaniolo’s situation closely. It’s claimed both teams have made contact with Galatasaray to lay the foundations of a summer transfer. A decision awaits from the player before either club proceeds.
Formerly of Fiorentina, Inter Milan and AS Roma, Zaniolo certainly isn’t stranger to top-flight football in his home nation. The familiarity could make the Atalanta move tempting, as could the fact Gian Piero Gasperini’s side recently won the Europa League and will compete in next term’s Champions League.
Moving to Villarreal instead would offer a new challenge but the Yellow Submarine finishing eighth last season means there’s no European football on offer – at least for the first 12 months. It awaits to be seen how much Galatasaray will charge for Zaniolo.