Approach expected as Arsenal and Brighton circle £650k Aston Villa ace
An offer is being prepared for an Aston Villa player wanted by Arsenal and Brighton.
Aston Villa are set to offer promising goalkeeper Oliwier Zych a new contract amid interest from Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion, BirminghamWorld understands.
The 20-year-old is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the Villans but he’s been in the matchday squad three times this season. He had a successful loan out to Polish Ekstraklasa side Puszcza Niepolomice last campaign, too, as he played 26 times in the top flight.
It was reported earlier this week by The Telegraph that Arsenal and Brighton, eager to bolster their depth in their respective goalkeeping departments, are interested in signing Zych. The two Premier League clubs are hoping to acquire a talented option who won’t break the bank.
Villa may have something to say about that, though, as Unai Emery’s side rate Zych highly and want to keep him among their ranks. A national player at under-21 level for Poland, the rather under the radar prospect is currently the fourth choice goalkeeper at Villa Park.
Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed number one, while Robin Olsen and Joe Gauci have shared the backup role so far this season. Gauci starting the 2-1 win away at Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup suggests the Australian has moved ahead of Olsen, but only narrowly.
There’s then of course Emery’s son, Lander Emery, but the Spaniard remains focused on his development with the under-21s. Zych, whose contract expires in June, has every chance of one day challenging Olsen and Gauci as Martinez’s backup. If he were to leave for Arsenal or Brighton, the grass wouldn’t necessarily be greener.