Aston Villa enter race for Ligue 1 defender with £8.5m price tag

Aston Villa have thrown its hat into the ring for Rennes right-back Lorenz Assignon, according to Foot Mercato. The 24-year-old defender, fresh off a loan spell at Burnley, has garnered interest from several European clubs.

During his stint at Burnley under Vincent Kompany's tutelage, Assignon made 15 appearances, demonstrating both defensive solidity and attacking flair. His time in the Premier League has not gone unnoticed, with Aston Villa now keen to secure his services.

Rennes have pegged Assignon's price at around €10 million (£8.5 million), a figure that has piqued the interest of multiple clubs, including Serie A club AS Roma. The Italian club has already initiated preliminary discussions with the player, though no formal offer has been made.

Should Assignon make the switch to Villa Park, he would face stiff competition for a starting berth from Matty Cash, Kosta Nedeljkovic, and Kaine Kesler-Hayden. However, with Aston Villa's packed schedule, featuring the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup, the Frenchman would likely find ample opportunities to shine under manager Unai Emery.

Assignon's journey to prominence began when he inked his first professional deal with Rennes in March 2020. A subsequent loan to Bastia saw him play a pivotal role in their promotion campaign. His reputation was further bolstered by a last-minute winner in a UEFA Europa League clash against AEK Larnaca, earning accolades from French media outlet L'Equipe.

Despite catching the eye of Rennes' new coach Julien Stéphan during pre-season training, both Assignon and the club are eager for a separation this summer. Burnley had the option to make Assignon's loan permanent, but the player's reluctance to stay with the relegated side has opened the door for other suitors.

Aston Villa have been active in the transfer market this summer, and their pursuit of Assignon aligns with their goal to strengthen the squad for the upcoming challenges. The club's management is reportedly excited about the prospect of adding the defender to their ranks, and Assignon himself is keen on a new challenge.

With Aston Villa and AS Roma both vying for Assignon's signature, the next few weeks will be critical in determining his future. The defender's eagerness to leave Rennes, coupled with the club's readiness to sell him for a fair price, makes a transfer highly probable. His contract with Rennes extends until 2027, but both parties are seeking a fresh start this summer.