According to Calciomercato, Aston Villa have made a late bid in an attempt to hijack Gregoire Defrel’s move to Cagliari. The AS Roma striker was on the verge of a €12 million move to the Sardegna, but it seems Villa’s last-ditch offer has forced the player to evaluate his options. Cagliari, however, are not holding back as president Tommaso Giulini will speak with Defrel to convince him to snub other offers.
Defrel’s struggles at Roma
Defrel initially joined AS Roma in a season-long loan deal back in 2017. He was coming on the back of a productive 2016/17 campaign that saw him score 12 league goals with Sassouolo. However, the Martiniquais forward endured a terrible debut season at the Stadio Olimpico.
He scored only one goal in 15 matches, although only five of those were starts. The 28-year-old mostly featured in an unnatural position while suffering a knee injury throughout the course of the corresponding campaign. But, despite his struggles, Defrel’s loan deal was made permanent by Roma last summer for a fee of €15 million.
The ex-Parma man was then loaned out to Sampdoria, where he revived his career by netting 11 goals in 36 matches. His exploits in front of goal helped the Blucerchiati finish in the top half of the league table last season.
What can he bring to the table?
Defrel is primarily known for his versatility. Although a centre forward by trade, the 28-year-old is capable of featuring on the right flank as well as adhering to the role of a secondary striker. His ability to keep hold of the ball using his physical attributes is what helps him to play that role effortlessly.
The Roma forward is also capable of making intelligent runs in and around the penalty area that allows him to occupy defenders and create more spaces for his teammates. But most importantly, Defrel is a hard-worker who is always willing to press the opposing defenders.
Is Defrel a good option for Aston Villa?
Defrel will be a welcome addition to the Villa Park given the club’s lack of reliable options in the striking department. Despite boasting immense potential, new signing Wesley is fairly inexperienced at the highest level of football. As for Jonathan Kodjia, he too doesn’t have extensive experience of playing in top-flight football.
Defrel, in that regard, could be an excellent candidate to strengthen the Aston Villa attack further. The Martinquais forward has featured in almost 150 Serie A matches during his time with Roma, Sassuolo, Parma and Cesena. His strength and work-ethic could also tune in well with the physically demanding nature of the Premier League – making him a viable option for Aston Villa this summer.
