Aston Villa transfer news: Juventus snubbed offer for defender in summer?

Despite needing to act diligently during the previous market, Villa have - so far - built on their top-four finish in last season's Premier League.

Unai Emery's side sit in fifth place this time around with 14 points from seven games, while the West Midlands outfit have also defeated Young Boys and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

However, if there was one negative from their summer business, it was failing to add another defender to their ranks during the closing days of the market.

That was particular the case with regards to a centre-back, but Villa also saw left-back Alex Moreno depart the club to make the switch to Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea's Ian Maatsen - who was signed for his versatility as much as his ability to play in that position - was signed as an alternative, yet it has been claimed that Villa were prepared to spend big on a different option.

Villa missed out on Cambiaso

According to Calciomercato, Villa were turned down by Juventus when they attempted to strike a deal for Andrea Cambiaso.

The Italy international only penned a long-term contract extension in May, making any approach for his signature speculative at best.

Nevertheless, it is suggested that Villa were prepared to shell out €35m to sign the 24-year-old as competition for Lucas Digne.

Cambiaso has since retained his role in the Juventus XI, making eight starts and one substitute outing during the early part of 2024-25.

Juventus are allegedly eager to retain the services of players who are deemed to be "their most prized assets" as they bid to challenge for the Serie A title.

Four years have passed without Juventus finishing in the top two of the Italian top flight, their most recent title success coming in 2019-20.

Villa switching attention to centre-back?

One of RB Leipzig's star men is reportedly on the radar of Villa as they bid to add to a central contingent of Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos.

That will likely be Emery's priority going forward courtesy of Matty Cash, Lamare Bogarde and Kosta Nedeljkovic all being options at right-back, with Digne and Maatsen competing on the opposite side of the pitch.