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Transfers
‘Exceptional’ player has been tempted to join Aston Villa after being offered Champions League football
The prospect of Champions League football appears to have helped Aston Villa enjoy a busy start to the summer transfer window.
Unai Emery looks set to lose a key man in Douglas Luiz as the Brazilian closes in on a move to Juventus. But Aston Villa will be landing a couple of players as part of Luiz’s move, with Enzo Barrenechea in line to replace Weston McKennie in the deal.
Samuel Iling-Junior is also set for a switch to Villa Park and as well as the Chelsea academy product, the Villains are also close to landing Blues full-back Ian Maatsen.
The Dutchman enjoyed an exceptional campaign at Borussia Dortmund last time out as he played a key role in their surprise run to the Champions League final.
Despite the fact that Dortmund will mix it with Europe’s elite once again next term, Maatsen has had his head turned by interest from Villa.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa are closing in on Rodri-like midfielder
Ian Maatsen tempted by Villa move
reports that Villa are on the verge of snapping up Maatsen ahead of Dortmund.
It comes after the full-back’s ‘head was turned’ by Villa being able to offer Champions League football next season.
Maatsen is now keen on a permanent switch to Villa and could be set to become their first signing of the summer, with the defender agreeing terms on a six-year deal.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa are pushing to sign £35m defender with negotiations ongoing
Champions League football could be huge for Villa
Despite concerns over the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) deadline on June 30, the added lure of Champions League football is already paying off for Villa.
After Maatsen reached the final last season, it feels unlikely that Emery would have been able to land the ‘’ full-back without it.
The 22-year-old had a hand in five goals in 23 appearances for Dortmund after joining the Bundesliga outfit on loan in January.
He will likely provide stern competition for Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno for a place in the side, meaning Emery will have plenty of depth at left-back should a move go through.