According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are edging closer to signing Alex Moreno of Real Betis after the first bid was rejected by the Spanish outfit. The initial bid that was made was in the region of £10 million, however, the La Liga club reportedly want £16 million to part ways with their full-back. Unai Emery has expressed that he wants to bring in decent reinforcements in this transfer window so we can expect the Villans to make another offer to close the deal.
Moreno’s Campaign At Real Betis So Far This Season
Moreno is having a decent campaign at his current club as he has managed to produce several influential displays in the defensive third of the field. The 29-year-old has done really well to pick up three assists in nineteen matches for the Catalan club so far this season across all fronts.
The Spanish left-back has been reliable and consistent on the defensive end after averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.2 clearances per game in La Liga. He has also been tidy when distributing possession from the left flank, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 77.4 % in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
What Can He Bring To Aston Villa?
Moreno is a solid tackler of the ball and can make some crucial interceptions to win the ball back for his side. He also has the ability to create a few inviting chances for his teammates on the attacking end of the pitch. The Spaniard can time his tackles well and can clear his lines when the opposition are on the front foot.
The veteran full-back has got a couple of years to play at a high level so he could very well be a shrewd acquisition by the West midlands club. Thus, Unai Emery has done well to identify him in this transfer window.
His arrival at Villa Park would spark more competition for Lucas Digne and Ludwig Augustinsson in the left-back spot. Moreno would certainly add more bite and steel to Aston Villa’s defensive department so Emery should go all in bringing him aboard before the transfer window ends.
