Aston Villa are actively stepping up their recruitment efforts to secure the signature of AC Milan full-back Pervis Estupinan, having identified the Ecuador international as their premier target to reinforce the left side of defense.
Unai Emery’s side has made strengthening the left-back position a top priority following the high-profile departure of Lucas Digne, who recently completed a permanent move to French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain. While Villa’s interest in bolstering their defensive ranks predates Digne’s exit, the sale has significantly accelerated ongoing discussions behind the scenes as club chiefs work to secure an elite successor.
Targeting a Premier League Proven Star
Estupinan, 28, made the high-profile switch to AC Milan from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. However, after struggling to consistently lock down a regular starting berth in the Serie Arts, the dynamic defender is reportedly eager to secure a return to the Premier League, where he previously established himself as one of the most exciting and explosive full-backs in the country during his standout spell at the Amex Stadium.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Villa’s recruitment team has maintained a close watch on Estupinan’s development dating all the way back to his Brighton days. Because the Italian giants are reportedly open to sanctioning a cut-price deal this summer, Villa have been firmly alerted to his availability and are weighing up a formal approach to bring him back to English football.
Weighing Alternative Options Across the Market
While Estupinan sits near the very top of Unai Emery’s wish list, Villa’s scouting department is exploring multiple contingency plans to ensure their full-back concerns are thoroughly resolved ahead of the new campaign.
Among the alternative names heavily linked with a switch to Villa Park is Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams. Capable of operating effectively on either flank, Williams has frequently featured at left-back and represents an appealing domestic option. However, securing the Forest star will prove challenging, as Villa face intense competition from top-flight rivals including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United.
Building for Another Ambitious Campaign
As Unai Emery continues to meticulously fine-tune his squad for another grueling season of domestic and European football, securing a proven, high-energy operator like Estupinan would represent a massive statement of intent. With negotiations reportedly underway and the player keen on a Premier League comeback, Villa fans will be watching closely to see if sporting directors can push this exciting deal across the finish line.
Do you think Pervis Estupinan is the ideal replacement for Lucas Digne at Aston Villa? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
