Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Juventus defender Federico Gatti in the summer transfer window (h/t journliast Gianluca Di Marzio).
Juve’s renewal talks with the Italian defender have hit a stumbling block due to a conflict over wage demands.
The Biaconeri have tabled a five-year contract with a salary of €3 million per year, but Gatti is unhappy with it.
It has led to speculations linking him with an exit from Turin, with Villa emerging as new suitors.
Villa will operate on a strict transfer budget this summer after being sanctioned by UEFA for breaching the financial rules.
They are focused on cost-effective signings rather than spending on players with higher salary demands.
Gatti appears to be ready for a new challenge, having spent three seasons at Juve.
He has made 105 appearances for the club and was part of the side that won the Coppa Italia last year.
The Italian international featured in 42 games in all competitions this season, playing a big role in Juve’s Champions League qualification.
Juve will demand around €30-35 million to part ways with the 26-year-old, who is also wanted by Napoli.
The Partenopei may have the edge since they can offer him the Champions League football next season, whereas Villa will play in the Europa League.
However, the allure of playing in the Premier League could help Villa prise him away from the Allianz Stadium.
Villa have also been monitoring Hellas Verona centre-back Diego Coppola as a potential target to reinforce their backline.
Emery’s side garnered praise for their valiant efforts in the Champions League last season, but they agonisingly finished just outside the top five in the Premier League.
