7 hours ago
1
PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by Adpathway
Published Jul 16, 2026, 8:46 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast.
Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.
In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Sign in to your Football FanCast account
Aston Villa have agreed a deal for Wolves star Joao Gomes, and Fabrizio Romano's latest claim suggests they could be closing in on Pervis Estupinan.
Villa would be making a smart, low-risk move by bringing Estupinan back to the Premier League.
The Ecuador international already understands the pace and physical demands of English football, while Unai Emery knows exactly what he can offer after working with him at Villarreal.
With Lucas Digne joining PSG, Villa need a replacement who can attack aggressively without leaving the defence exposed. Estupinan looks ready-made for that role.
The deal now appears to have taken an important step forward.
Aston Villa agree personal terms with Pervis Estupinan
According to Romano, Villa have agreed personal terms with Estupinan, who wants to move to Villa Park.
|
Fabrizio Romano is one of football’s most established transfer reporters, with direct contacts among clubs, agents and executives. His information is usually strongest when personal terms or negotiations are involved. This update has also been supported by Italian and English reporting describing talks between Villa and Milan as advanced. |
|
Milan are reportedly seeking around £17m after signing Estupinan from Brighton for roughly £14 million in 2025. Villa could offset much of that expense through Digne’s £10 million departure. A negotiated fee near Milan’s original investment would represent reasonable value for a proven Premier League full-back. |
|
Estupinan is at his best when allowed to attack space from deep. He carries the ball powerfully, overlaps at speed and delivers dangerous crosses, but also possesses the recovery pace needed to defend. His previous work under Emery should help him understand Villa’s structure and positional responsibilities immediately. |
|
Estupinan could replace Digne without forcing Villa to change their style. His pace would stretch opponents and offer another route into the final third. Familiarity with Emery should also speed up his integration into the squad. |
Negotiations with AC Milan are continuing as the clubs attempt to settle on a transfer fee, with Emery personally keen to make the 28-year-old his new first-choice left-back.
Other reports suggest talks have reached an advanced stage.
Milan are believed to want around £17 million for the 28-year-old, while Villa have been working below that figure in an attempt to find a compromise.
Digne’s £10 million move to PSG would help fund the replacement and create space in Emery’s squad, and Estupinan’s attraction is obvious.
He made his name in the Premier League with Brighton, where his pace, overlapping runs and powerful crossing made him one of the division’s most dangerous attacking full-backs.
His first season at Milan was less consistent, with 19 Serie A appearances and 13 starts, but the qualities Villa need remain clear.
The move would also reunite him with Emery.
The pair worked together at Villarreal, where Estupinan helped the Spanish club compete successfully in Europe. That existing relationship should reduce the adaptation period and give Villa confidence that the player understands the manager’s tactical demands.
This is not the only major deal moving quickly, with Villa also targeting ex-Spurs midfielder Joao Palhinha, showing Emery still wants more experience and bite before the window closes.
English (US) · 
French (CA) ·