Aston Villa unlikely to swoop for 24-year-old this summer

Aston Villa are expected to part way with loan man Nicolo Zaniolo this summer, as per a report by the Express & Star.

The Midlands outfit swooped to land the attacking midfielder on a temporary basis last summer from Galatasaray to add more competition and depth to their ranks ahead of this season.

Zaniolo, 24, has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Unai Emery's side this term and has chipped in with two goals, one of which came in their Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United.

However, he has struggled to really make an impact at Aston Villa and although he provides useful back-up to their squad, he isn't a regular starter.

Zaniolo's impending return to Turkey at the end of his temporary deal would free up space and funds to bring in another player who would be more effective.

He played for Genoa, Fiorentina, Virtus Entella and Inter Milan before linking up with Roma in 2018.

The Italy international, who has 17 caps under his belt for his country to date, played 128 games for the Serie A giants and found the net on 24 occasions before Galatasaray landed him in the winter of 2023.

Zaniolo has scored five goals in 12 games for his parent club but was given the green light to head out the exit door when Aston Villa came calling. He is due to return in a few months time and they will have a big decision to make on what to do with him next.