Aston Villa could sign their own Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as Fabrizio Romano claims talks under way for £43m gem

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Aston Villa have not had the best start to the summer, with a number of targets eluding them thus far.

Villa wanted to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol amid doubts over the future of Emiliano Martinez, but he has opted for Barcelona instead.

Sverre Nypan is another player who Villa have missed out on, the Rosenborg prodigy agreeing a move to Manchester City instead.

However, Aston Villa are going again and, according to Fabrizio Romano, have now set their sights on a young player likened to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Aston Villa in talks over Real Betis gem Jesus Rodriguez

Fabrizio Romano took to X on Friday to report that Villa have begun talks with Real Betis over Jesus Rodriguez.

The transfer insider said Rodriguez is on the shortlist of a number of clubs, but Villa appear to have stolen a march on his other suitors.

“Villa made contact this week to start discussions,” added Romano.

READ MORE: Aston Villa fans buzzing over ‘absolutely magnificent’ news out of Villa Park

Why Jesus Rodriguez could be the next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Kvaratskhelia has made a name for himself as one of the world’s best footballers in recent years.

This season, he helped Paris Saint-Germain win the treble, and his efforts for Napoli in the first half of the campaign saw him get another Serie A winner’s medal along with his 2022/23 accolade.

It’s quite a badge of honour for a young player to be likened to Kvaratskhelia, and that’s exactly what has happened with Rodriguez, courtesy of Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig.

Kulig described the 19-year-old as an “explosive winger” whose strengths include pace, acceleration, dribbling, ball control, bravery, work rate and athleticism.

He also likened Rodriguez to Kvaratskhelia and gave him a rating of 9 out of 10 with regards to his potential for the future.

Rodriguez has already made 36 appearances for Betis, registering nine goals and three assists. He has also won the European Under-19 title with Spain’s U19s.

Rodriguez has a release clause of €50million (£43million), according to Football Espana.