Philippe Coutinho cited as Tottenham star identified as Aston Villa replacement – expert
Aston Villa have been tipped to reunite Unai Emery with one of his old stars following the potential uncertainty surrounding Philippe Coutinho.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Giovanni Lo Celso must only be a replacement for Coutinho.
BirminghamLive reported (19 May) that Lo Celso is included on Villa’s list of targets. Tottenham are likely to sanction a deal, but are said to want an obligation to buy included in any loan agreement.
Emery worked with Lo Celso during his time at Villareal, where the pair both reached the UEFA Champions League Semi Final during the 2021-22 season.
But with the Argentine having now returned to Tottenham after his loan with the Spanish side, he has been linked with a move away from the club.
With Villa touted as a potential destination, Agbonlahor believes that it could be down to Emery’s business within the last weeks of the summer transfer
“A move would depend on if Coutinho stays at the club,” he told Football Insider.
“If Coutinho stays I don’t see how Villa could have three attacking midfielders with Emiliano Buendia also at the club.
“It’s all about Emery’s plans for the next five weeks of the transfer window.
“When I saw Lo Celso at Tottenham, I didn’t think he was much better than Coutinho so I am not too sure if it is a transfer that is worth pursuing for Aston Villa this summer.”
In other news, Emery tells Aston Villa he wants to accept Digne offer