Financial woes for Juventus could hand Aston Villa major transfer victory

Aston Villa has positioned itself as a serious contender for the signature of Atlético Madrid's seasoned defender, Mario Hermoso. With the summer transfer window looming and Hermoso's contract nearing its end, the possibility of a free transfer has ignited interest from top European clubs, including Italian giants Juventus.

Aston Villa's pursuit of Hermoso is bolstered by their financial clout. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Premier League club's ability to match the Spaniard's current annual net salary of €4 million could prove decisive, especially if Juventus falters due to financial constraints. This financial advantage could be the key to persuading the 28-year-old to trade the Spanish capital for the heart of England.

Furthermore, Aston Villa boasts a valuable Spanish connection that could sway Hermoso's decision. Manager Unai Emery's familiarity with Hermoso's playing style from their time in La Liga, coupled with the influence of sporting director Monchi – another figure Hermoso knows well from his Spanish football days – could be the deciding factor in his choice of destination.

While Juventus remains a potential suitor, their recent focus on a more financially prudent transfer policy might hinder their pursuit of Hermoso. The Turin-based club's emphasis on low-cost acquisitions could see them outpriced by a determined Aston Villa.

Despite the mounting interest, Hermoso remains focused on his current commitments with Atlético Madrid. His respect for the club and the undeniable impact of coach Diego Simeone on his development will be important considerations as he weighs his options.

All signs point to Aston Villa being in a strong position here, but in football, anything can happen. The summer window is still a ways off, but one thing's for sure: the thought of Hermoso shoring up Aston Villas's backline is enough to get any Villa fan excited. Stay tuned, because this transfer saga is far from over!