(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 12 April 2026 10:00, UK

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Aston Villa will need to act quickly if they want to sign AFC Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi this summer, after his performance caught the eye in a 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

The Argentine has been a key performer for the Cherries throughout the campaign, and he made a stunning 10 defensive contributions to help his team to a rare win at the Emirates Stadium.

The 28-year-old is set to depart Andoni Iraola’s side on a free transfer ahead of next season, and that has seen a whole host of clubs take an interest in him heading into the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa are firmly among the group of interested parties, but Senesi’s recent performances are surely seeing his options open up even further with every passing game.

He has forged a big reputation for himself at Bournemouth in recent months, and a move for him is a firm part of Villa’s summer transfer plans.

Danny Murphy in awe of Marcos Senesi display vs Arsenal

Senesi already has a huge list of clubs who are chasing him, with Villa, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton among those in the Premier League who want to sign him, while moves to the likes of Juventus and Barcelona have also been touted.

The Villans are on course to secure Champions League football for next term, and would have fancied their chances of winning the race as a result, but it is now clear that there must be a fresh sense of urgency to their pursuit.

Senesi’s performance against the Premier League leaders is sure to see even more top clubs from across Europe sit up and take notice, given that he proved himself capable against one of the continent’s strongest teams.

His performance at the Emirates certainly didn’t go unnoticed by Danny Murphy, who was full of praise for the ex-Feyenoord man in his analysis on Match of the Day.

“Senesi was outstanding,” the former Liverpool midfielder noted.

“His distribution from the back is phenomenal.”

That is far from unfamiliar praise for the Bournemouth star, who has been one of the surprise stars of the campaign in the Premier League.

His reputation is sure to take another boost after his exploits against Arsenal, and that should serve as a clear warning to Unai Emery and Co. that speed will be crucial if they are to win the race for him.

Aston Villa need to force their way ahead of Barcelona

Football Insider revealed back in February that Barcelona are the favourites to sign Senesi this summer, but Villa could yet have a big say in that.

The Spanish giants have faced plenty of financial difficulties in recent years, and while Villa have been contending with issues of their own behind the scenes, they may be able to offer big wages to Senesi.

The lack of a transfer fee that will be needed to sign him this summer will allow the second city outfit to commit even more financial muscle towards his contract, which could prove enough to potentially rival Barcelona.

Villa undoubtedly do not have the same level of pull as the Blaugrana, but if they can secure Champions League football, then they could easily find themselves on an even level in both footballing and financial terms.