Aston Villa enter race for €60m Arsenal target

Cameron Smith

18 Sep 2023 09:45 CDT
3 min read

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand as Unai Emery looks to further strengthen his backline.

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Villa signed Pau Torres (€33 million) and Clement Lenglet (loan) during the summer transfer window, with the latter arriving following Tyrone Mings’ potentially season-ending ACL injury.

However, Emery remains focused on bringing in more reinforcements in central defence and has identified Le Normand as a potential transfer target, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The 26-year-old has spent four years in Real Sociedad’s first-team, making X appearances during that time, and he has previously garnered interest from Premier League giants Arsenal.

Back in April, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Gunners had sent scouts to watch both Le Normand and Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad, with the view of potentially making an approach.

The latter reportedly rejected a move to Arsenal in January, despite Mikel Arteta’s side triggering his €60m release clause.

Just like Zubimendi, Le Normand also has a €60m release clause, and Fichajes have reported that Sociedad have no intention of lowering their asking price below that fee.

As a result, Villa will be forced to make Le Normand their most expensive signing of all-time, if they want to bring him to the club.

© ProShots - Moussa Diaby is currently Aston Villa's record signing

The €55m spent on Moussa Diaby this past summer is currently the highest fee that Aston Villa have ever paid for a player in their history.

Le Normand to Villa Park?

Le Normand’s contract at Real Sociedad runs until 2026 and he will be playing Champions League football this season after they finished in the top four in Spain last campaign.

While Villa still have five senior centre-back options despite Mings’ injury (Torres, Lenglet, Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and Calum Chambers), Emery reportedly wants to upgrade this area on the pitch.

Le Normand would add valuable experience and quality, although his asking price may prove too steep for a club who have never spent more than €33m on a defender.