Aston Villa’s pursuit of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oihan Sancet has gained momentum as Inter Milan, the Italian Serie A powerhouse, is now also reportedly interested in signing the promising 24-year-old.
Sancet, who has scored five goals in ten games this season, is highly regarded by Villa manager Unai Emery, and his rumored desire to bring Sancet to the Premier League reflects his ambition to strengthen Villa’s squad further to compete at the top of the table.
As Villa aims to secure a top-four Premier League spot—or potentially challenge for the title—targeting talented players like Sancet becomes essential. However, as their ambitions grow, so does the competition from European rivals with equally high aspirations. Reports indicate that Emery may face an uphill battle if he is committed to acquiring Sancet, as his impressive performances in La Liga have caught the eye of Inter Milan, a club known for bolstering its squad with versatile players who can influence both offensive and defensive play.
While Villa remains optimistic, competing against Inter Milan is a significant challenge. The Italian club is seeking reinforcements in midfield, and Sancet’s balance of attacking flair and defensive capabilities would fit seamlessly into their lineup. This mounting interest from Inter could set the stage for a major bidding war next summer, especially as the player’s contractual situation makes negotiations costly. Athletic Bilbao has made it clear that Sancet’s release clause stands at €80 million (£66.6 million), a substantial fee that must be met if any club wishes to lure him away from the Basque Country, where he is contracted until 2032.
Villa’s financial strength and ambition under Emery could position them as serious contenders despite the competition. The €80 million release clause, though steep, may not deter the club, as they have shown their willingness to invest in top talent to strengthen their lineup and elevate their competitive standing. However, Inter’s growing interest adds complexity, suggesting that Villa may face a prolonged transfer saga if both clubs continue to show serious intent to sign Sancet.
Reports indicate this potential transfer could become one of the summer’s most highly discussed deals. For Villa, the challenge lies not only in convincing Sancet to make the switch to England but also in outbidding a club with considerable financial influence and a reputation for attracting high-profile players. This is yet another example of the challenges Villa faces as it rises through the Premier League ranks, with heightened competition from clubs across Europe when targeting marquee players.
Aston Villa fans are keen to see how the club will respond to this new interest from Inter Milan. Villa’s recent transfer strategies have shown a commitment to supporting Emery’s vision, and the opportunity to sign a promising player like Sancet is significant. Villa supporters remain hopeful that Emery’s influence and the club’s upward trajectory might be enough to secure this ambitious signing, despite Inter’s entry into the race.
Whether or not Villa can successfully bring Sancet to Birmingham remains uncertain, but the club’s willingness to compete for top-tier talent signals its ongoing transformation under Emery’s leadership. Fans can expect to hear more updates as Villa and Inter potentially gear up for a fierce battle to secure one of La Liga’s brightest talents.