Report: Aston Villa winning race to sign Charlton midfielder Joe Aribo

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Aston Villa are reportedly winning the race to sign Charlton Athletic midfielder Joe Aribo.

According to the Sun, the 22-year-old is out of contract at the Valley in the summer and is set for a summer exit even if Charlton win the League One play-off final to get promoted.

It is understood that Villa are at the front of the queue for the in demand ace ahead of the likes of Manchester City, Celtic and Rangers.

The report details that if Dean Smith’s side win their Championship play-off final on Monday, they will start want Aribo as part of their plans in the Premier League.

Aribo is a versatile midfielder that can play in the centre or out wide and has dazzled in League One.

He’s made 38 appearances across all competitions this season for Charlton, chipping in with 10 goals and supplying five assists.

TBR’s View:

Villa appear to have come out of nowhere to lead the chase for Aribo and he could be an excellent pick up on a free transfer.

The young English midfielder is a powerhouse with an eye for goal and the mass interest in him suggests he’s capable of playing at a higher level.

Smith’s side will be in the Premier League next year if they beat Derby County in the play-off final and it would be a sizeable task to step up two divisions.

But it’s certainly worth bringing the highly-rated ace to Villa Park and seeing how he develops.