A lot of players recognize what is going on at Aston Villa. In terms of finances, it is difficult for the club to 100% commit to anyone who is not already secured on a deal. Even so, the forthright way in which a club's personnel engages in these behind-the-scenes negotiations can tell players a lot.
Lucas Digne is set to have his current deal at Villa expire next summer. The Frenchman has proven to be one of the better left-back options in the Premier League. He is someone who has done well in this 'starting 22' system and continues to make needed plays for Villa.
Ian Maatsen is an emerging LB talent, but Digne has pieced together a considerable stretch of solid outings that has Unai Emery still turning to him more often than not, particularly in the bigger matches.
With France, Digne has most recently earned a third-place finish during this year's Nations League. Speaking with Le Journal du Dimanche, the defender shared his overall assessment of his career for club and country so far.
An ongoing contract situation is, of course, on the Frenchman's mind. There is not, however, an apparent need to work something out right away. According to him. He shared:
"I feel very comfortable there, but you know that in football anything can happen. I'm open to anything. When there's only one year left on my contract, everyone plays their part."
Digne would go on to point out the difference between how this type of situation would be handled in France compared to how it is now for him in England.
Like the France international said, any number of possibilities can take place between now and when his current deal expires. If the Saudi League-based teams had their way, he, too, would soon be on his way there for a record fee.
Willingness to stay at Aston Villa
The key part for now is that Digne is enjoying playing under Emery and remains open to signing something long-term. Certainly, if everything was equal from Villa's perspective, something would have been agreed to already. With PSR, there are a lot of aspects to consider.
For now, Digne will now have a chance to rest up and then tackle the upcoming campaign as a Villan. Perhaps by the time the season begins, he will have his future in B6 secured.