Aston Villa: NSWE make approach to sign £13m Serie A “no-nonsense CB”
Aston Villa Make Move for In-Demand Serie A Defender Amid Financial Constraints
Aston Villa have reportedly made initial contact over a potential deal for Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola, whose impressive recent performances have drawn the attention of several top clubs across Europe.
Villa Targeting Smart Deals Amid PSR Pressure
Villa continue to navigate the ongoing challenge of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which have already forced them to offload key players such as Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran to remain compliant. Following their controversial failure to secure a Champions League spot, owners NSWE may once again be compelled to make high-profile sales this summer.
There are question marks over the futures of several first-team players, including Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez, and Marco Asensio. Rogers has previously been linked with Manchester City, while Martinez is attracting strong interest from Atletico Madrid and Manchester United—though a move to Old Trafford may be less appealing after United’s recent Europa League final disappointment.
Given the financial balancing act, Villa are believed to be targeting budget-friendly reinforcements—and Diego Coppola could represent a shrewd piece of business.
Villa Join Race for Rising Serie A Star
According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have made contact with Hellas Verona regarding the 21-year-old centre-back. Coppola is one of the standout young defenders in Serie A and is also on the radar of Juventus, AC Milan, Brighton, and Brentford.
The Italian club is expected to receive bids in the region of €10m to €15m (£8m to £13m), making Coppola a potentially affordable addition for Villa as they look to bolster their backline.
Coppola: A Defensive Talent on the Rise
Despite his age, Coppola has already established himself as a regular starter at Hellas Verona, making 34 league appearances in the 2024/25 season. His performances have not gone unnoticed—statistically, he ranks in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 minutes among centre-backs in Europe, underlining his strong defensive instincts.
Described as a “no-nonsense CB” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Coppola has also shown his threat in the opposition box. He scored a powerful header in a 3-2 win over Parma last December, demonstrating his aerial ability.
With his blend of maturity, defensive reliability, and potential for further development, Coppola could be an excellent value addition to Unai Emery’s squad as they aim to remain competitive while operating within financial limits.
