Lucas Digne is on the verge of a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain following the conclusion of his World Cup campaign. The French champions are expected to trigger the release clause in Digne’s contract, paving the way for his move.
Digne, who joined Aston Villa from Everton for £25 million in January 2022, has been a consistent presence for the club, making 182 appearances and playing a key role in their Europa League triumph last season.
While manager Unai Emery values Digne highly, Villa are unable to block the transfer due to the contractual clause. Consequently, the club is actively seeking a replacement, with Ecuador international Pervis Estupiñán emerging as the leading candidate. Discussions with AC Milan concerning Estupiñán’s potential move to Villa are reportedly underway.
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John Townley, speaking on Claret & Blue, underscored the significance of Digne’s departure and the challenge it presents. He praised Digne as an underrated yet reliable player but expressed concern over the current competition at left-back.
“We’ve seen promising moments from Maatsen,” Townley said, “but his inconsistency, especially during the Burnley game last season, where he was repeatedly beaten, raises worries about his readiness to step up.”
Townley emphasized the urgency for Maatsen to demonstrate significant improvement early in the next season, as January offers little time to rectify any shortcomings. “We cannot afford to see an asset lose value without showing progress,” he added.
Villa’s recruitment strategy aims to bring in several candidates for the position to mitigate risks. Estupiñán’s fitness and form at AC Milan will be critical factors, though his demonstrated capabilities in the Premier League with Brighton offer hope for a successful adaptation.
As Villa prepares for Digne’s exit, the left-back position represents a pivotal area requiring immediate attention. The club’s ability to find a sturdy replacement will be essential for maintaining defensive stability and sustaining their competitive ambitions.