Inter Milan have set their sights on strengthening their squad with a promising midfielder from Aston Villa. As the Serie A champions look to rejuvenate their lineup, they have identified a potential long-term successor to their current playmaker, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. This move has sparked conversations about Aston Villa's ability to hold onto their emerging talents in the face of international interest.
Jacob Ramsey: Inter's prime target
The player at the centre of Inter Milan's attention is none other than Jacob Ramsey. At just 23 years old, Ramsey has caught the eye of the Italian giants, who view him as a "high quality player" with significant room for growth.
Report from InterLive.it suggest that Inter are preparing a £30 million bid for Ramsey, though this falls short of Aston Villa's valuation, which is believed to be around £60 million.
To bridge this gap, Inter are contemplating a player swap as part of their offer. The club are confident that with consistent playing time in Serie A, Ramsey's market value could soar, potentially reaching €70 million (£60 million) in the future. This prospect makes him an attractive investment for Inter Milan.
Aston Villa's determination to retain Ramsey
Aston Villa face a tough battle as they strive to keep Jacob Ramsey within their ranks. A product of the club's esteemed academy, Ramsey has already made over 100 appearances for Villa and has been lauded as "sensational" by football pundits.
Monchi, Villa's sporting director, has been vocal about the club's intent to hold onto Ramsey. He stated,
"If we wanted to sell Jacob Ramsey, we would have sold him already because we had different offers from different clubs. But Unai has big confidence in him and I think that Jacob can continue to improve his level."
Ramsey's versatility and rising potential
Despite enduring injury setbacks last season, Ramsey has demonstrated remarkable form when fit. During the 2022/23 Premier League season, he notched up six goals and seven assists across 35 matches, earning him the prestigious 2022/23 Premier League Academy Graduate award.
Ramsey's versatility is a key asset, making him an appealing prospect for clubs like Inter Milan. Capable of playing in various positions, including attacking midfield, on the wings, and in central midfield, his adaptability and technical prowess enhance his value to both Aston Villa and potential suitors.
Villa's youth development challenges
While grappling with interest in Ramsey, Aston Villa are also focused on securing the future of another young talent, Rory Wilson. The 18-year-old striker is in the final year of his contract, and Villa are eager to lock him into a new long-term deal amid interest from European clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen.
As Aston Villa gear up for their upcoming Premier League and Champions League fixtures, they face the dual challenge of delivering strong performances on the field while managing external interest in their key players.