Pervis Estupinan: Aston Villa target's full stats speak volumes, one is remarkable
Aston Villa have reportedly enquired about a potential deal for AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan this summer.
The 28-year-old joined the Italian giants from Brighton last summer for £17million, and is under contract until 2030.
The Ecaudor international was once considered among the most dangerous full-backs in the Premier League, and Unai Emery will hope to reignite that form.
The Spaniard brought Estupinan to Villarreal from Watford in 2020, prompting the development that ultimately saw him catch Brighton's eye.
Should the defender arrive, one of Ian Maatsen or Lucas Digne may well be set to leave the club this summer. The latter is 32 and has just two years remaining on his deal.
It has been a busy 24 hours for Villa, who are also set to hijack Newcastle United's move for Johan Manzambi in a deal worth around £60m.
What Unai Emery said about Pervis Estupinan
Emery brought Estupinan to Villarreal in 2020. He had been with Watford since signing from Udinese in 2017, but had never actually made an appearance for them.
The defender had gone on loans to UD Almeria, RCD Mallorca and CA Osasuna - he had plenty of La Liga experience by the time he signed for Emery's team.
But Estupinan's first season with Villarreal was not all smooth sailing. He had several injuries and periods out of the team, sitting on the bench as his team beat Manchester United to win the Europa League in 2021.
The following season saw him find his feet, and his exploits caught the eye of Brighton enough to sign him for around £15m.
Speaking about Estupinan in 2020, Emery said: "Estupiñán is adapting well and knows the Spanish league. He’s settled in well with the group. He has no barriers in terms of league knowledge or language.
"He’s integrated immediately into the daily routine with his teammates. In terms of ability and performance, it’s a matter of him gradually integrating into the team."
These Estupinan stats show what Villa are buying
When Estupinan left Brighton in 2024, he was considered among the best left-backs in the Premier League.
The Ecuador international was remarkably active in both boxes, proving a very dangerous asset for the Seagulls.
In the 2024-25 season, he completed 1.54 successful crosses per game, had a 59.4 per cent dribble success rate and took 1.05 shots.
Defensively, Estupinan made a remarkable 5.51 recoveries, 2.13 clearances, 1.39 interceptions, 2.43 tackles and won 5.62 duels per game.
In signing the 28-year-old, Emery is turning to what he knows, and Villa are set to benefit.