Aston Villa transfer news: Inter Milan eyeing midfielder as successor to Henrikh Mkhitaryan?

I Nerazzurri have won two of the last four Serie A titles, as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2022-23.

However, despite emerging as the best team in Italian football over the past four years, Inter will soon have to consider changes to their squad.

Of the 18 players that have been used in Serie A during the early part of this campaign, six are 32 years of age or older.

As many as four are at least 35, and while the squad ultimately benefits from the experience, it will soon need bolstering with younger talent.

Inter admirers of Villa star

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of the players who falls into that bracket, the playmaker remaining as a key man with three starts in 2024-25.

The Armenian legend has enjoyed the most successful period of his career at San Siro, albeit only contributing seven goals and 14 assists from his 98 appearances in all competitions.

Despite the former Manchester United and Arsenal man having a contract until 2026, InterLive claims that Jacob Ramsey has been identified as a potential successor to Mkhitaryan.

Inter officials are allegedly of the opinion that Ramsey is yet to showcase his full potential during his time in the senior ranks at Villa Park.

Ramsey has chipped in with 13 goals and 13 assists from his 125 appearances since progressing through the academy setup at his boyhood club.

The former England Under-21 man endured a frustrating period last season, but he has one assist to his name from three substitute outings in this season's Premier League.

Would Villa be prepared to sell?

Villa could have made a substantial profit on Ramsey during the summer transfer window when they needed to ensure that they complied with the Premier League's financial regulations.

Instead, they opted against cashing in on a player who is rated highly by Unai Emery and who will have a part to play this season providing that he stays fit.

With Ramsey possessing a contract until 2027, Villa are in a strong position to rebuff any offers, unless Inter are prepared to pay over the odds for a player who is yet to make his full England debut.