Villa Look to Secure PSG Star in £18m Transfer Talks | OneFootball

Aston Villa Move to Secure Marco Asensio Permanently

Aston Villa’s remarkable progress under Unai Emery has been fuelled by smart recruitment, and one of the key additions in the winter transfer window, Marco Asensio, is proving to be an inspired signing. The Spanish playmaker has been in sensational form, scoring seven goals in eight appearances, including a brace against Club Brugge to send Villa into the Champions League quarter-finals. Now, the club is working on a permanent deal to make his stay at Villa Park a long-term reality.

Villa in Advanced Talks for Asensio Transfer

TEAMtalk reports that “Aston Villa are keen to sign Marco Asensio permanently from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and sources have revealed the fee required to seal the transfer and with talks over the deal already underway.”

Negotiations are progressing well, with PSG open to selling the former Real Madrid star. TEAMtalk’s sources indicate that Villa are discussing a fee of around £18 million, a figure that reflects the fact that Asensio’s contract with PSG expires in 2025. With the winger flourishing under Emery’s guidance, Villa are eager to conclude the deal before rival clubs enter the race.

Emery’s Praise and Tactical Fit

Unai Emery has publicly lauded Asensio’s contribution and hinted at his long-term importance. “We are happy with him. We are protecting him because he is not feeling 100 per cent in the last matches he played,” Emery stated. “His skills, it is in my idea structurally and tactically how I want to build the team. One player like him is very important.”

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Emery’s admiration is evident, and given the style of play he has developed at Villa, Asensio’s technical quality and eye for goal make him an ideal fit. His intelligence in possession and ability to link midfield with attack give Villa an extra edge, particularly in high-pressure European matches.

Champions League Boost as Asensio Can Face PSG

There had been speculation regarding whether Asensio could face his parent club PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, but UEFA regulations prevent clubs from blocking loanees from playing against them. TEAMtalk confirms that “UEFA rules state clubs cannot apply ‘any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match,’” meaning Emery will have the option to use his in-form forward against the French giants.

It adds an intriguing layer to the tie, as Asensio will have the chance to prove PSG wrong and showcase why he deserves to be a central figure at a club willing to give him regular starts.

Aston Villa’s January Business Paying Off

TEAMtalk highlights that Villa’s January loan business has made a significant impact, not just with Asensio but also Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi. While Asensio’s move appears to be nearing completion, Villa also have the option to sign Rashford for £40 million, though his high wages and interest from Barcelona could complicate negotiations.

With Villa chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League and making a deep run in Europe, their ability to retain key players like Asensio could determine their long-term ambitions. A permanent signing would send a clear message that Villa intend to compete at the highest level rather than settle for a brief spell of success.

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Securing Asensio permanently would be an outstanding piece of business for Aston Villa. For just £18m, the club could add a player with Champions League experience, goal-scoring ability, and elite-level technical skill. Given the way he has slotted into Emery’s system, keeping him long-term is a no-brainer.

Villa’s midfield and attack have been crying out for a composed, creative presence—someone who can dictate the tempo, contribute with goals, and unlock defences. Asensio has provided exactly that, and at 28, he still has plenty left to offer at the highest level.

There is also the matter of Champions League football. Should Villa qualify for Europe again, having an experienced player like Asensio in the squad could be invaluable. He has won the competition multiple times with Real Madrid, meaning he knows exactly what it takes to thrive on the biggest stage.

The only lingering question is his fitness. While he has been a game-changer when on the pitch, Villa must ensure his injury record does not become a long-term issue. If he stays fit, there is no downside to this deal.

In short, this transfer makes total sense. Villa are a club on the rise, and adding a player of Asensio’s pedigree—without paying an astronomical fee—is exactly the kind of smart recruitment needed to take them to the next level.