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Unai Emery next transfer claim as Aston Villa told €80m price

Oihan Sancet of Athletic Club looks on
-Credit: (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)


Unai Emery is reportedly the driving force behind Aston Villa interest in Athletic Bilbao playmaker Oihan Sancet, hoping to make his fellow Spaniard the club's next big signing.

When some thought they would crumble under new-found pressure, Villa are actually consolidating their power. Their latest victory against Bologna has seen them take command of the Champions League's new league phase, well on course to qualify automatically for the knockout stages ahead of some elite European teams.

The way Unai Emery has done that was by taking a proactive approach to the summer transfer market, securing top targets quickly once the window had opened, ultimately getting them to perform to the same high standards as those already in the squad or others that were replaced.

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And so, it is suggested that the manager is looking to his homeland for his next huge addition to his squad, even at this early stage of the new term. According to fichajes.net, Sancet of Athletic Bilbao has 'captivated' him with strong performances and is being regarded as the 'key piece' to complete Villa's midfield puzzle.

The 24-year-old has started the 2024/25 campaign brightly over in Spain, scoring five goals in nine appearances. These are just a portion of the 30 strikes and 15 assists he had recorded whilst operating mainly as a central attacking midfielder in 166 total outings for his boyhood club.

He has international experience with the Spanish senior squad, plus is playing European football for the first time this campaign. Adding up, this suggests he has a wealth of experience at a young age to bring with him from the Basque Country.

However, if Villa are truly serious about granting Emery this wish it is going to come at a heavy cost. Bilbao know just how talented their asset is, so have tied him down to an eight-year contract, says this latest report. The only way to break the terms would be for his suitors to meet the €80m (£66.6m) release clause placed within, leaving Villa with no other option but to smash their current transfer record to make the signing.

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