An update has emerged on Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, regarding Aston Villa’s interest in his services. 

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in signing centre-back Mario Hermoso from Atletico Madrid this month.

The report claims that Everton and Arsenal are also keen on the 26-year-old, with the Spanish giants set to demand a fee in the region of £30m (€35m).

Imagine him and Mings

Johan Lange must secure a deal for Hermoso before the end of the transfer window as he could prove to be an upgrade on what Villa already have in the squad.

Whilst Axel Tuanzebe has arrived at Villa Park on a season-long loan from Manchester United, it could be useful for the club to have four serious centre-back options.

The club were relatively lucky to escape injury issues last season with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa able to play in 36 Premier League games each, but there is no guarantee that will happen again. Therefore, adding Tuanzebe and Hermoso to the club could not only strengthen the quality but also the depth of Dean Smith’s options at centre-back.

Hermoso, in particular, could be a step up in terms of ability for Villa. Last season, the Spaniard made more ball recoveries, interceptions, tackles and forward passes than Konsa, whilst he also won more ground duels per 90 in comparison to the Villa centre-back.

Although it is difficult to judge the difference in quality between La Liga and the Premier League, it does show that Hermoso was able to perform under immense pressure. Atletico won the league title and Hermoso was seemingly a huge part of that, with his stout defensive performances at centre-back.

This suggests that he could have a great chance of being able to translate that form over to England, which could mean that he is an upgrade on Konsa at centre-back. He could line up alongside Mings in Smith’s first-choice back-four, with Konsa and Tuanzebe providing healthy competition for places.

Although, it is worth mentioning that Mings only stands out above Hermoso in ball recoveries per 90 in terms of the aforementioned statistics from last season. So, the Spaniard could even come in as the club’s best centre-back if he is able to carry over that form from Atletico’s title-winning season, which is why Smith would love to have him at the club.

AND in other news, Get it done: Lange must land bargain Villa deal for £8.5m “very talented” maestro…