Aston Villa submit official bid to sign Nicolo Zaniolo

Aston Villa have submitted an offer to Galatasaray for Nicolo Zaniolo, including a €3 million loan fee and a buy option worth €27 million.

Fabrizio Romano detailed Aston Villa’s offer for Nicolo Zaniolo. The Italian may open his doors to a move to the Premier League, with Aston Villa open to bringing him on loan. Unai Emery’s side have offered a €3 million loan fee and a buy option worth a potential €27 million at the end of the season.

Aston Villa have had a stellar window and made vital signings to bolster their squad. They have considered the surprising European campaign this term and made some big-name signings, including Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby.

Unai Emery did not close the door to make further signings, but now Aston Villa have been forced to find a new attacking player. The severe knee injury sustained by Emi Buendia will keep him out for most of the season, meaning the club must replace him through the market.

Buendia remains an important player. Hence Emery will want the replacement to have the required quality to fit into his system. Fabrizio Romano’s tweet confirmed that the manager wished to sign Nicolo Zaniolo, as he said, “He is one on the list, and there are others”.

Zaniolo only moved to Galatasaray after a troubled period at Roma last January. When the decision was made to sell him, only the Turkish window was open, and Galatasaray snapped him for €15 million. They also inserted a €35 million release clause.

Since Villa’s interest became apparent, some reports suggested they were willing to trigger the release clause or come close to it. However, Romano’s detailed tweet confirmed Villa only offered a loan move with a buy option. Potential add-ons could make the deal worth €27 million if the Premier League clubs decide to buy the Italian.

As per the journalist, Villa have offered €3 million loan fees and a €20 million buy option at the end of the season. If they end up activating the clause, the deal will have another €7 million in add-ons. Hence, the total outlay would come close to €30 million if Zaniolo manages to impress at the Premier League side.

Villa awaits Galatasaray’s final answer, but they might ask for the option close to the release clause. It’s a good deal for all parties, as the Turkish side could retain the player’s value even if he returns next summer.

Emery will likely keep pushing for an agreement and even urge the club to pay more if needed. Zaniolo could become the perfect replacement for the injured Buendia as Villa could then look forward to their season ahead.