Aston Villa are ‘in talks’ to sign a Paris Saint-Germain star after qualifying for the Champions League.
Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday means Villa can’t be caught in fourth place in the Premier League table.
Villa have qualified for the Champions League for the very first time following the competition rebrand from the European Cup in 1991/92.
They last played in the European Cup 41 years ago in the 1982/83 campaign, having won it the season before.
Unai Emery was involved in a hilarious moment with Emiliano Martinez after booking their spot in next season’s Champions League campaign as he hailed his side’s achievement.
It’s a very special day,” Emery said. “It’s our dream, we started the season to be here. We’ve had injuries but the team was always focused. It’s fantastic. To play Champions League is the best.”
Ahead of rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite, Emery is planning to raid his old side Paris Saint-Germain for Carlos Soler.
That’s according to French outlet L’Equipe, who claim Villa are ‘progressing’ in talks to sign the midfielder.
The report states talks over a move to the Premier League outfit have been taking place for ‘many months’, which are ‘advancing’.
But Soler is contracted at PSG until 2027 as question marks surround his valuation, with the French club splashing out £15 million to acquire his services in the summer of 2022.
The 27-year-old has played 26 games in all competitions this season, scoring one goal. He scored six goals in 35 matches last season.
The Spaniard, who has 14 international caps to his name, began his professional career at Valencia after graduating from their youth academy.
He made 182 La Liga appearances for Valencia, scoring 31 goals. He bagged 11 league goals in consecutive seasons in Spain before earning himself a move to PSG.
On Tuesday, Manchester City dispatched Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to reclaim the initiative in the title race. The result sees Pep Guardiola’s men move two points clear of Arsenal at the summit with just one game of the season remaining.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s costly defeat sealed Champions League football for Aston Villa.
City’s victory sparked wild celebrations at Villa Park during the club’s End Of Season awards, with Unai Emery and his players spotted in jubilant celebration.
However, one player did not appear as happy as his team-mates.
