According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Juventus defender Mattia De Sciglio has turned down a move to Aston Villa in this summer transfer window.
What’s the word?
Dean Smith’s side have already done some major business in recent weeks, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins in particular being two of the stand-out arrivals at Villa Park.
Now, Schira has suggested that Villa were also looking at signing a new full-back, with Juventus’ De Sciglio in their sights. However, the journalist has confirmed that the Italy international has rejected offers from both the Premier League side, and Scottish giants Celtic.
Lange’s dodged a bullet
Whilst bringing in a versatile full-back like De Sciglio in would have ticked off two boxes for Smith given that the Italian can play on either flank, a move for the 27-year-old just wouldn’t have made sense in terms of the overall package.
The Juventus ace is earning around £91k-a-week with the Bianconeri, and even if he hypothetically did take a pay cut at Villa Park, he would still stand to be one of the highest earners at the club – at the moment, Sportrac reveals that new boy Watkins is the man who takes home the biggest pay-cheque, getting £75k-a-week.
And even aside from the kind of astronomical money Villa would have to pay in wages, De Sciglio just hasn’t been able to take to the field on a regular basis in the past few seasons. In fact, according to Transfermarkt, the Italy international has missed a massive 82 games over the past 5 years at club level.
Make no mistake about it, De Sciglio turning them down has seen Johan Lange dodge a major bullet.
And in other news, Dean Smith should unleash this Aston Villa starlet in the Premier League.