Aston Villa are monitoring the progress of Bordeaux winger Mehdi Zerkane ahead of the summer transfer window according to L’equipe and Birmingham Live.
Zerkane has had a breakthrough season in French football, featuring 26 times for Bordeaux. He most recently scored his first senior goal in a win over Lens as Bordeaux edge towards safety in Ligue 1.
According to L’equipe, Villa have been watching and monitoring the 21 year-old for several months and have been in contact with Zerkane’s representatives. An offer could arrive at the end of the season.
Aston Villa Interested in Bordeaux Winger Mehdi Zerkane
Zerkane Has Enjoyed a Decent Season Despite Bordeaux’s Struggles
The talented attacker has impressed with a string of consistent performances despite the lack of end product. He is a raw talent with plenty of potential and, clearly, the Villa scouts have liked what they have seen.
Mehdi Zerkane has shined in a Bordeaux side which has severely struggled all season. Jean Louis-Gasset’s first season in charge hasn’t gone to plan and the club is also in deep financial trouble off the pitch- not helped by the global pandemic and French football television deal also collapsing.
Zerkane is contracted until 2024 but, should the right offer arrive, a deal is likely to be agreed. It is unclear at this stage how much Bordeaux would want for the 21 year-old.
The Algerian is a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the front three. That should suit Dean Smith’s style of play at Aston Villa. Since taking over in October 2018, Smith has preferred a front three with attackers who can score but also players that are full of pace and trickery.
Villa’s head of recruitment Rob MacKenzie is no stranger to French football and will hope Zerkane is the latest talent to be unearthed. While working for Leicester City, MacKenzie was instrumental in the Foxes bringing in Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
Should Villa pursue a deal for Zerkane, it would continue their likening to the French market in recent transfer windows. Since promotion to the Premier League, the likes of Bjorn Engels and most recently Morgan Sanson have joined the club with Villa extensively scouting French football.
Villa Looking to Boost Attacking Options This Summer
It is set to be a busy summer at Villa Park despite a much improved Premier League season. Dean Smith’s side have impressed this campaign- in particular during the first half of the season but have tailed off in recent months. Injuries and a coronavirus outbreak at the start of the year severely disrupted Villa’s rhythm and they haven’t be able to recapture their best form.
Jack Grealish’s injury hit the team hard and Dean Smith is determined to bring in extra quality in the attacking areas this summer. They managed just three wins in the 12 matches Grealish missed through a persistent shin injury.
Zerkane certainly fits the bill in terms of what players Dean Smith looks for. Raw talent with bags of potential. He would certainly be a good option for Villa to have and would ease the pressure on Jack Grealish.
Villa are heavily reliant on their captain and Dean Smith knows Grealish cannot do everything himself. Others have struggled to step up in his absence and bringing in extra attacking quality is a priority if Villa want to challenge for European football next season.
It would take time for Zerkane to settle in English football but he certainly has the talent to impress in the Premier League.
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