Chelsea told Monchi masterstroke for Aston Villa cost them millions

Monchi has pulled off a transfer masterstroke for Aston Villa, believes former chief executive Keith Wyness.

Villa have already signed five new players this summer as they prepare for another assault on the Premier League and the fresh challenge of the Champions League. Ross Barkley has returned to the club, after a previous loan from Chelsea, while Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea have both arrived from Juventus and Lewis Dobbin has moved to Villa Park from Everton.

Villa have also landed Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and it is the 22-year-old defender, who played in last season’s Champions League final on loan at Borussia Dortmund, that Wyness is especially excited about. He believes, at £35m, it is a great piece of business by Monchi, the club’s president of football operations.

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“What a signing – I think this is absolutely setting a statement of intent,” he said, speaking to Football Insider. “This is a player who has adapted to a European style of football, it gives him options – and that’s where Emery’s strengths lie, giving himself plenty of options.

“Maatsen is a very exciting signing. I think the valuation is low. I thought he’d be closer to the £50million mark.

“Villa fans are going to love him. He’s an exciting player. Emery is bringing in more options, and it allows him to change styles mid-game.

“I think Villa are again going to be a very exciting team to watch next season.”

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