Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Brazilian prodigy Allan, according to reports – with the Palmeiras youngster having garnered the attention of major European clubs.
Villa’s poor start to the Premier League season was overturned with an immense run of form, one that saw them pick up 12 wins from 13 in the Premier League to thrust them back into the title race, beating Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United along the way.
And, with their title chances still flickering away, Unai Emery could look to complete a move for Allan by taking advantage of their positive Premier League standing.
Report: Aston Villa Have Enquired for Allan, Other Clubs Are Interested
The report by Spanish outlet, AS Diario, states that Palmeiras have rejected a €35million (£30.3million) from Serie A giants Napoli for Allan, although there has been ‘significant’ Premier League interest in his services.
Villa are one of those clubs. The 21-year-old ‘machine‘ came through the youth academy at the Sao Paulo-based outfit, making his debut almost a year ago to the day – and he’s already made 55 appearances for the first team, garnering three goals and six assists from midfield.
Only making his first league outing in April, it’s been a manic year for the Brazilian and that could see Unai Emery look to invite him into his midfield after missing out on Conor Gallagher, who eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur earlier on Wednesday – especially after selling Donyell Malen, who appears to be Roma-bound.
Newcastle United are also credited with having an interest, and with Allan having a contract until December 2029 at Palmeiras that boasts a €100million (£86million) release clause, it could take a lot for him to be prised away from Brazil. However, if Villa can make an ‘irresistible’ offer amid their current stronghold over the European places, they may well win the race for the midfielder.
Unai Emery Does Need to Lower Villa’s Average Age in Midfield
Of all of Villa’s midfield options, there aren’t many players below 25 who are currently having an impact in the first-team.
Ross Barkley and Josh McGinn are above the age of 30, while Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Boubacar Kamara are all aged between 29 and 26 – and so there is a need for youth to come into Emery’s engine room.
Amadou Onana is 24 years of age and should be a huge presence for the future, whilst Lamare Bogarde has shown promising signs. But with Harvey Elliott being ostracised, there is space for another midfielder to come in.
Whilst it’s unknown if Allan can make a dent in European football, the fact he’s so highly regarded after just a year in first-team football could make it a real coup if Villa are proactive.