Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Abde Ezarzouri at the request of manager Unai Emery, and Real Betis’ asking price has been revealed.
Villa’s interest in signing a new forward comes amid doubts over Harvey Elliott’s future, with widespread reports suggesting Liverpool could bring back the attacking midfielder from his loan spell in the January transfer window.
Elliott has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular this season, playing just 97 minutes in four Premier League games, but Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on whether there is a path back for the Englishman.
A relocation expert said: “At the moment it all depends on how he performs in practice. Things haven’t changed yet. Of course Elliott is not happy.”
If the 22-year-old leaves Villa Park this winter, the team could have room for another attacker, with the Villans currently looking to sign a new winger…
Aston Villa enter race to sign Abde Ezarzouri at the request of manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa are in the race to sign Real Betis star Ezarzurri, and the player will be closely monitored ahead of the January transfer window, although there could be competition from Crystal Palace, according to reports from Spain.
The Betis board’s offer is “significantly” higher than the Moroccan’s current worth of 12 million euros (about 1.1 billion yen), with the Spanish club keen to keep one of their key players, with manager Manuel Pellegrini also clear that he wants to keep him.
The 23-year-old has been personally asked to join in January by Emery, who has begun signing a new winger to boost his side’s chances of winning the Europa League.
It’s no wonder Pellegrini is keen to keep the 25-cap Moroccan international, given that he has impressed for quite some time at Real Betis, with scout Ben Mattinson waxing lyrical about the left-winger during the 2024/25 season.
The former Osasuna player got off to a good start this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the opening eight games, helping his side to fifth place in the La Liga standings.
Emery strengthened his options on the left wing by signing Jadon Sancho in the summer, but the player on loan from Manchester United has yet to make an impact, failing to register a goal or assist in his opening eight games.
It therefore makes sense to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window, and Ezarzurri could be a great long-term addition to the squad.