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‘Complete’ Chelsea player could emerge as surprise target for Aston Villa
A key Chelsea player could reportedly emerge as a surprise target for Aston Villa, but a deal has been labelled ‘unlikely’.
Unai Emery is preparing for a return to the Champions League with Aston Villa next season after guiding them back amongst Europe’s elite.
Despite winning five of their last six games under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea missed out on the top four and the Argentine has since departed.
Enzo Maresca is set to take over from Pochettino and will be fully aware of Chelsea’s need to offload players to stay in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
It’s looking likely that academy products such as Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah could head out the door.
But according to , another one of Chelsea’s academy stars is viewed as a potential Villa target.
READ MORE: Aston Villa close to signing ‘incredible’ player who blew Cesc Fabregas away with his fitness
Reece James seen as ‘potential’ Villa target
The Mirror reports that while Villa have their own issues with PSR, they have been linked with a move for Gallagher.
James has also been viewed as a ‘potential target’ for Emery’s side. Yet, it’s a deal that is viewed as unlikely, despite Chelsea’s need to raise funds.
READ MORE: Chelsea ‘lurking in the background’ to sign £55m player Arsenal are pushing to sign
Kyle Walker says James is the ‘complete’ right-back
Despite his obvious issues with persistent hamstring injuries, it’s difficult to see James heading out the door anytime soon.
The 24-year-old was named as the club’s captain under Pochettino last season but went on to make just 11 appearances in all competitions.
Having undergone surgery back in December, James will be hoping to finally put his struggles with injuries behind him.
Given the fact that James seems like an ideal profile for incoming boss Maresca, it’s easy to see why this move has been labelled ‘unlikely’.
When fit, James is undoubtedly among the best right-backs in the Premier League and Kyle Walker feels he’s the most ‘complete’ in world football.
“Reece James. He’s just got everything. Everything,” the City star said. “If I can make the complete right-back, it would be him. Defend, attack, technically, both-footed, dead-ball situations, quick.
“I think if I was to build one, I’d go with my strength, Hakimi’s pace, Cancelo’s technical ability, Trent’s passing, Carvajal’s mentality and I think Reece James’ football brain because he obviously played in midfield for a long time.
“But if I was to round all of them up, I’d say it would be Reece. He gives you a little bit of everything.”