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Aston Villa Target Ajax Star Kenneth Taylor: Can They Beat Arsenal to His Signature?

Aston Villa’s ambitious plans under Unai Emery are no secret. Their desire to bolster the squad has seen them linked with a range of exciting talents. According to Football Insider, the latest name on their radar is Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor. The 22-year-old midfielder, already attracting interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, and Newcastle, could reportedly be available for a £30 million fee.

Could Villa outmanoeuvre their Premier League rivals to secure Taylor’s services? Let’s delve into what this potential deal could mean for the Villans.

Kenneth Taylor’s Profile: Why the Hype?

Taylor has been a standout performer for Ajax, showcasing versatility and composure beyond his years. Operating primarily as a central midfielder, his skill set includes excellent ball distribution, tactical awareness, and the ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. At just 22, Taylor has already made a name for himself in the Eredivisie, catching the attention of Europe’s top clubs.

Photo: IMAGO

“It’s believed it will cost £30million for Ajax to part ways with the midfielder, who is 22 years old and still has a couple of years left on his deal with the Dutch giants,” reported Football Insider.

This price tag appears modest in today’s inflated transfer market, particularly for a player of Taylor’s potential. Given his technical abilities and room for growth, he could represent a long-term investment for any club willing to take the plunge.

Why Villa’s Midfield is Already Packed but Still Needs Taylor

Villa’s midfield boasts depth and quality, with names like Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and Jacob Ramsey among their ranks. Yet, the pursuit of Taylor signals a proactive approach to squad building. Emery’s system relies heavily on dynamic midfielders who can adapt to multiple roles, and Taylor seems to fit that mould.

“Villa have an embarrassment of riches in the midfield area,” acknowledges Football Insider, but Emery’s tactical demands mean there’s always room for a player with Taylor’s unique attributes. His technical prowess could complement the physicality and energy of McGinn or Ramsey, adding a different dimension to Villa’s engine room.

Arsenal’s Interest and the Battle for Signatures

Villa aren’t the only ones keen on Taylor. Arsenal have reportedly been monitoring the Dutchman throughout the season, with scouts attending Ajax matches to assess his performances. The Gunners’ interest underlines Taylor’s quality and raises the stakes in securing his signature.

Photo: IMAGO

“More than just Villa will be looking at Taylor,” notes Football Insider, hinting at the broader competition for his services. While Arsenal’s need for midfield reinforcements is evident following injuries to key players, Villa’s willingness to meet Ajax’s asking price could give them an edge.

In recent years, Villa have proven they can attract top talent, with the likes of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres choosing the Midlands over other suitors. Could Taylor follow suit?

What Taylor’s Signing Could Mean for Villa

Adding Taylor to their squad would be a statement of intent for Villa. It signals their readiness to compete not just for European qualification but also for honours in the near future. With Unai Emery at the helm, Villa have shown a sharp upward trajectory, and Taylor’s arrival could further accelerate their progress.

Moreover, Taylor’s youth aligns with Villa’s strategy of blending experience with promising talent. While Tielemans and Kamara bring proven credentials, Taylor offers the potential to grow into one of Europe’s finest midfielders under Emery’s guidance.

“Previously, Taylor has also been linked with Tottenham and Newcastle,” adds Football Insider. But Villa’s aggressive approach in the transfer market and their current eighth-place position in the Premier League could make them an attractive proposition.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Aston Villa fans will likely be buzzing at the thought of Kenneth Taylor joining their ranks. For a club steadily climbing the Premier League ladder, this move would signify another step towards breaking into the elite.

Taylor’s combination of youth and experience is tantalising. Having already been a key figure for Ajax, his ability to thrive under pressure suggests he can adapt seamlessly to the Premier League’s intensity. Many Villans will see this as another coup in Emery’s project, which has already seen the likes of Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres don the claret and blue.

“It’s believed it will cost £30million,” as noted by Football Insider, and that seems a bargain for a player of Taylor’s calibre. Villa supporters might already be imagining a midfield trio of Kamara, McGinn, and Taylor bossing games and driving the team toward European football.

While Arsenal’s interest is a concern, Villa fans will back the club’s ambition. As one supporter put it, “Emery has proven he can attract top talent. Why not Taylor next?” If Villa can pull this off, it’s another feather in the cap for a club increasingly viewed as a serious contender in the transfer market.