Aston Villa Want To Recruit This West Ham Playmaker: Should Emery Move In For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fotomac claimed that Aston Villa want to recruit West Ham United playmaker Manuel Lanzini who is set to become a free agent soon. It has been claimed that the Villans have identified the Argentine talent as a target for the summer transfer window.

Lanzini’s Sporadic Role In East London This Season

Lanzini has enjoyed a decent campaign at the East London club as he has served as a sporadic presence in David Moyes’ squad. The Argentine sensation has banged in just three goals and grabbed one assist in 23 appearances for West Ham this season in multiple competitions.

The 30-year-old has seen most of his game time come as a substitute which explains why he has only averaged 0.3 shots, 0.1 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League. However, he deserves credit for being tidy with his ball distribution after making 84.4% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the London Stadium will run out this summer which will hand the Villans a good chance to sign him on a free transfer soon.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace battles for possession with Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on November 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Should Aston Villa Boss Unai Emery Move In For Lanzini?

Lanzini can shoot the ball with power and accuracy from long range. He remains a good dribbler with the ball as well and has got the vision to cut open the opponent’s defence with a killer pass in the final third.

However, the Argentine attacker is in dire need to earn more playing opportunities if he wants to make the most out of the rest of his playing career. He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also serve as a left-winger if asked to do so.

We can expect Lanzini to bring some goals and creativity to Aston Villa boss Unai Emery‘s attack. He might even help the Villans push for a European place in the Premier League over the next couple of seasons.

At 30, Lanzini has still got a lot of football left in him and could prove himself to be a decent signing for the West Midlands club this summer. Thus, Emery should think about moving in for him when the player becomes a free agent at the end of this month.