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Revealed: Aston Villa in talks to sign two defenders after Nottingham Forest twist - sources
Aston Villa are in talks to sign Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares and Sevilla star Marcos Acuna, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants are in the market for a left-sided defender who can be a big attacking asset.
Tavares had been in negotiations to join Nottingham Forest but talks have now collapsed, potentially opening the door for Villa to do a deal.
The Villa Park club are among the teams keen on a deal for the 23-year-old, who shone on loan for Marseille last term.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (19 August) that Tavares is not expected to play for Arsenal again after being given the green light to complete a move this summer.
It is believed that Arsenal want £20million for the Portugal international, who cost £8million when signed from Benfica two years ago.
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A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Emery is keeping his options open by talking with both Tavares and Acuna – in the event Villa cannot secure an agreement with one of their two targets.
Sources told Football Insider on Saturday (19 August) that Acuna has already agreed personal terms with the Midlands giants.
It is believed negotiating a fee with Sevilla remains the sticking point in the deal.
Tavares thrived in his loan spell away from Arsenal in the 2022-23 campaign, notching six goals across 39 appearances in all competitions for Marseille.
Meanwhile, Acuna notched three goals and four assists in 45 games across all competitions for Europa League winners Sevilla last season.
He also won the World Cup with Argentina last December, making four starts amid six total appearances at the showpiece tournament in Qatar.
A left-back arrival would cast major doubt on the future of Lucas Digne at Aston Villa, with the France international heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Nice.
Digne, who has started the first two games of the 2023-24 campaign, is reportedly one of the highest earners at Villa Park.
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