Aston Villa's financial woes may lead to key player sale to Italian giants

AC Milan have set their sights on acquiring Aston Villa's Polish right-back, Matty Cash. The pursuit of the 26-year-old defender comes as Aston Villa faces mounting pressure to offload players before the 30 June deadline to comply with the Premier League's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, known as Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

According to Italian journalist Manuele Baiocchini on Sky Sport Italia, Milan's technical area director, Geoffrey Moncada, recently met with Aston Villa officials in London to discuss the potential transfer of Matty Cash. The meeting highlights AC Milan's serious interest in securing the services of the talented right-back as they look to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.

Aston Villa finds themselves in a precarious financial situation, with the club nearly £120 million in the red in 2023. The Premier League's FFP regulations, known as PSR, allow maximum losses of £105 million over three years, putting Villa under immense pressure to balance their books. The sale of Matty Cash could provide a significant boost to their financial situation and help them comply with the regulations.

Since joining Aston Villa in 2020, Matty Cash has been a key figure for the club, making 46 appearances across all competitions last season. His contributions of five goals and three assists, alongside his defensive prowess, have made him an integral part of the team. However, Villa's lack of depth in the right-back position was exposed when Cash was sidelined due to injury, with Ezri Konsa occasionally filling in.

AC Milan has identified Matty Cash as their top target and is working diligently behind the scenes to bring him to the San Siro. Despite Cash signing a new five-year contract with Villa in April 2022, securing his future at the club until 2027, the Italian giants are confident that they can secure his services for a lower price during the upcoming transfer window. Villa is likely to demand a fee of at least £26 million before agreeing to sell the Polish international.

If Matty Cash were to depart, Aston Villa would need to make a decision regarding their right-back options. The club has promising youngsters such as Kostas Nedeljkovic, who was signed from Red Star Belgrade in January before being loaned back, and Kaine Kesler-Hayden, who was recalled from his loan spell in January to provide cover. Alternatively, Villa may opt to invest in an experienced signing to replace Cash and provide competition for the position.

While Villa aims to balance their financial situation and comply with FFP regulations, AC Milan is determined to bolster their squad with the addition of the talented Polish defender.