Aston Villa The search for Dion Lopi has been given new impetus after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury. Reports from Spain claim there has been increased interest from the Premier League club as Unai Emery looks to replace the Belgian.
Villa have been linked with the UD Almería midfielder throughout the summer. However, voice of almeria Now presents the situation in a different light.
According to the Spanish newspaper, Onana's anterior cruciate ligament injury has turned Lopi from an attractive target into a key priority for Emery.
The Belgian is expected to be out for seven to nine months after suffering an injury during Belgium's World Cup last-16 clash against the United States. As a result, Aston Villa are without one of their key midfielders ahead of a busy campaign.
Earlier this week, we covered the Birmingham club Celta de Vigo could make a move for Ilaix Moriba. However, Dion Lopi is not only more suitable for Onana's role in the team, but is also less expensive.
Onana shock changes Aston Villa's plans
The Spanish outlet reports that Aston Villa's interest in the 24-year-old is nothing new, As we already know. However, the club's need for a midfielder with physical presence has increased significantly. Following Onana's injury, Villa will also want a player with ball-winning ability and energy.
Lopi is considered suitable for that profile after impressing Almeria. The club missed promotion from Segunda División but had an excellent season.
While previous reports suggested Aston Villa already made an offer As for the Senegal international, La Voz de Almeria's latest update focuses on how Onana's absence could fuel negotiations. Instead of revealing the latest figures, the report highlights how the situation has changed.
Almeria stay strong
The report adds that Almería is standing by their valuation and are directing interested clubs towards Lopi's release clause.
The Spanish side is also making contingency plans. Real Zaragoza's Youssef Saidu remains his preferred replacement if the midfielder moves to Villa Park.
However, the biggest development for Aston Villa is the change in circumstances. Lopi was already on Emery's shortlist, but Onana's long-term injury has made strengthening the central midfield a more urgent task before the start of the new season.
