EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa move for Zaha and approach Lazio winger

Steve Kay

• Updated: 10 Jan 2024 15:35 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Aston Villa are working hard to sign a winger in the January transfer window, FootballTransfers has learned, with Wilfried Zaha the latest star targeted.

We understand that Villa have made approaches recently for Lazio wideman Felipe Anderson and most recently Galatasaray winger Zaha.

Unai Emery is a huge fan of Zaha after first attempting to sign him for Arsenal back in 2018 whilst he was in charge at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking on the possibility of signing Zaha four years ago, Emery revealed his admiration for the Palace man.

"I usually want to sign first the players I know there," said Emery.

"When we played against Crystal Palace, Zaha showed he was a very good player.”

A deal for Zaha this month will be difficult. The 31-year-old only joined Galatasaray last summer on a free transfer from Crystal Palace.

Zaha is understood to be happy in Turkey and not looking to move on this month.

Villa are a club that could make Zaha at least think twice about his future, especially as Villa are second in the Premier League, but it will be a hard deal to do.

Zaha has had an excellent first season at Galatasaray where he has contributed to seven goals in 14 league games. He also scored in the Champions League against Manchester United, his former team.

Felipe Anderson at Lazio

As for Felipe Anderson, the 30-year-old sees his contract at Lazio expire at the end of the season.

As it stands, it seems unlikely that he will renew his deal in Rome, meaning that a decent offer could convince Lazio to sell this month.

However, there is also interest from Juventus in signing Felipe Anderson on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Unlike Zaha, Felipe Anderson has struggled a touch this season, scoring just one goal in all competitions. He has produced six assists, though.