Midfielder compared to Rodri now keen to join Aston Villa as negotiations begin

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Aston Villa could soon welcome one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders to Villa Park as talks start over a deal.

Unai Emery thought he would be welcoming Weston McKennie to the Midlands as part of a deal to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus in a player-plus-cash move.

However – after the United States international stood firm on his wage demands – a new name has entered the equation for Aston Villa…

Enzo Barrenechea ready to join Aston Villa

An update from Fabrizio Romano now claims that Enzo Barrenechea is keen to join Aston Villa as part of the deal involving Luiz.

The Argentine is willing to move to the Midlands – whereas McKennie seems less enthused by the deal – and negotiations have now started with Juventus over a new deal.

Romano wrote on X: “Enzo Barrenechea, open to Aston Villa move as negotiations are underway with Juventus for Douglas Luiz swap deal.

“Barrenechea’s keen on PL move after Wes McKennie is currently no longer part of negotiations, as revealed yesterday. Juve and Villa remain in talks.”

The South American made 36 appearances in Serie A last season while on loan at Frosinone, providing one assist while also picking up ten yellow cards.

Argentine has been compared to Rodri

Barrenechea is far from a household name in football, so you may be wondering what type of player the 23-year-old actually is.

According to Andrea Bonatti – who worked with the midfielder in the Juventus U19 camp – he is “no different” to Manchester City No.16 Rodri, who many regard as the world’s best midfielder.

The Italian also compared Barrenechea to Spain legend Sergio Busquets.

Bonatti told Tutto Mercato Web: “Enzo is a really strong player. He is no different from Rodri or Busquets, he is a playmaker and can also play as a midfielder. He has an aerial game, knowledge, covers the pitch well, has great technique, dominance under pressure, play more vertically and now he is much more complete.”

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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as talks to bring Barrenechea to Aston Villa continue…