Aston Villa Pursue £13.1m Deal for AC Milan Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek
In a surprising development during the January transfer window, Aston Villa have identified Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a key target to strengthen their midfield options. According to reports from Italy, the Premier League club would need to pay approximately £13.1 million to secure the services of the England international from Serie A giants AC Milan.
Emery Seeks Midfield Reinforcement Amid Injury Crisis
Villa manager Unai Emery is actively seeking to add depth and quality to his midfield ranks, with several key players currently sidelined. The potential acquisition of Loftus-Cheek comes at a crucial time, as Boubacar Kamara faces an extended period out through injury, while John McGinn and Ross Barkley are also unavailable. Amadou Onana is gradually returning to full fitness after missing the last four matches, further highlighting the need for reinforcements.
The 29-year-old Loftus-Cheek, who celebrates his 30th birthday this Friday, has emerged as an attractive option due to his versatility and experience at the highest level. Capable of operating as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box player, or attacking midfielder, he has made 23 appearances across all competitions for Milan this season, contributing one goal and one assist.
Loftus-Cheek's Current Situation at AC Milan
Despite being a valued member of Massimiliano Allegri's squad at the San Siro, where Milan currently sit second in Serie A and remain unbeaten in 20 league matches, the Italian club have reportedly placed a £13.1 million price tag on the midfielder. Corriere dello Sport suggests that while Allegri appreciates Loftus-Cheek's qualities and would prefer not to sell without securing a replacement, a move could materialise if Villa meet their valuation.
Loftus-Cheek still has 18 months remaining on his current contract with Milan, adding an element of urgency to any potential transfer negotiations. A return to English football could also enhance his prospects of featuring in future international squads, having been included in Thomas Tuchel's England selections for September and October qualifiers.
Potential Benefits for Both Player and Club
For Loftus-Cheek, a move to Villa Park would offer increased playing opportunities, with the club still competing in the Europa League and FA Cup, alongside 16 remaining Premier League fixtures. His familiarity with English football from his time at Chelsea, combined with European experience, makes him a potentially shrewd acquisition for Emery's side.
The reported fee represents reasonable value in today's inflated transfer market, particularly for a player with Loftus-Cheek's technical attributes and physical presence. His ability to contribute in multiple midfield roles would provide Emery with valuable tactical flexibility during the demanding second half of the season.
Leon Bailey Offered Escape Route to Ajax
In a parallel development, Leon Bailey could be set for an immediate departure from Villa Park, despite only recently returning from a loan spell at Roma. According to reports from Belgian outlet voetbalnieuws.be, Dutch giants Ajax have emerged as potential suitors for the Jamaican international before the transfer window closes.
The 28-year-old winger, who struggled during his time in Italy with just 11 goalless appearances for Roma, has apparently been on Ajax's radar for some time. He features on their winter shortlist alongside other targets, suggesting the Eredivisie club are seriously considering a move for the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker.
Bailey's potential exit would create additional space in Villa's squad and potentially free up resources for further reinforcements, as Emery looks to mould a team capable of challenging on multiple fronts during the remainder of the campaign.
