According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are hoping to reach an agreement to sign German international Donovan Leon Goretzka.
According to TA journalists DO and Jacob Tanswell, Goretzka left Bayern Munich after last season and is currently a free agent. Aston Villa have already begun negotiations with the midfielder.
With Onana suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the World Cup, Aston Villa have been looking for a low-cost replacement for the position, and had previously held long-term negotiations with Bayern Munich for the loan of João Palinha with an option to buy.
However, after negotiations with Palinha, who was on loan at Tottenham Hotspur last season, failed, Aston Villa identified Goretzka as their primary target. A club source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deal was initially considered unlikely, but the club is now increasingly confident of signing Goretzka.
The 31-year-old player has already spoken with Unai Emery. Although no agreement has been reached and Goretzka still needs to undergo a medical examination, negotiations are currently underway.
Considering Goretzka's experience, leadership, and physical attributes, Aston Villa believe he could be a shrewd signing. These qualities could be crucial for Emery's team this season, given the departures of several players this summer, including Morgan Rodgers, Lucas Hernandez, Tielemans, and Konsa. Watkins' future is also uncertain, as the England international is pushing for a move to Saudi professional league club Al-Hilal, who have already had four offers rejected by Villa.
Goretzka has made 73 appearances for the German national team and 312 appearances for Bayern Munich between 2018 and 2026.
