da heads bet： Aston Villa have entered the race to sign a player who is currently starring at the World Cup…
What’s the news?
da lvbet： According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are battling it out with fellow Premier League side Manchester United to sign Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The 31-year-old has been one of Morocco’s brightest sparks as they have become just the fourth African side to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The LaLiga side are unwilling to let Bounou go unless an offer of at least €30m (£26m) is submitted.
Emiliano Martinez replacement?
The relationship between Unai Emery and Martinez is reportedly strained amid a falling out when the two were at Arsenal and this could put the Argentinian’s long-term future at the club in doubt.
The 30-year-old has started all of Villa’s league matches this season, conceding 18 goals and making 2.7 saves per match and the club may have been in a lot more trouble if it weren’t for his heroics in goal.
Despite his solid performances, it appears Emery is keen on adding another goalkeeper, and Bounou – nicknamed as ‘Bono’ – is certainly a player on his radar.
The 31-year-old hero has shone for Morocco in Qatar, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.2, conceding just one goal in three matches, while reserving his best performance for the most important game.
The last-16 tie against Spain was 0-0 after extra time and the Sevilla sensation managed to save all three of the Spanish penalties to send them home and propel the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Teammate Romain Saiss lavished praise on Bono after the game, saying: “It is amazing for him. He had a heroic game today, not only during the penalties. He just wanted to show why he was named the best La Liga goalkeeper last season. He is a great keeper, he proved it against Spain. We owe him a lot today.”
With a place in the semi-finals up for grabs when Morocco take on Portugal tomorrow afternoon, Emery will be watching closely, and don’t be surprised if Bono ends up in the Premier League following his success in Qatar.