According to a report by Spanish outlet AS, Aymeric Laporte will likely return to Europe in the summer transfer window. Ernesto Valverde wants Athletic Club to re-sign the Al-Nassr centre-back ahead of the 2025/26 season. However, the Basque outfit will face stiff competition from several European clubs for the French-born defender’s signature.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are also keen on signing the former Manchester City defender, with the two Premier League bigwigs submitting enquiries to sign him. In addition, the Al-Nassr centre-back is a target for Inter Milan, Napoli, and Marseille. Meanwhile, Laporte has a release clause worth €25 million in his contract with the Middle Eastern outfit.
Aymeric Laporte has continued to go from strength to strength since joining Al-Nassr from Manchester City in a deal worth €27 million in August 2023. The 31-year-old has been one of the best players in the Saudi Pro League, turning out over 50 times thus far while chipping in with nine goals and one assist.
However, the Spanish international is keen on returning to Europe after spending two seasons with Al-Nassr. While Athletic Club will aim to re-sign Laporte in the summer transfer window, they cannot afford to trigger the release clause of €25 million in his contract. That provides a window of opportunity for his other suitors, including Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Arsenal and Aston Villa were keen on signing Aymeric Laporte before he joined Al-Nassr nearly two years ago. Arsenal’s continued interest is understandable, considering they are scouring the market for a backup centre-back amid uncertainties surrounding Jakub Kiwior’s long-term future. However, that opportunity may not appeal to the former Manchester City defender.
As for Aston Villa, Tyrone Mings is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. In addition, Axel Disasi has returned to Chelsea after his loan deal ended, so the West Midlands outfit must sign a new centre-back, with Laporte emerging as a viable target.
Arsenal and Aston Villa have submitted enquiries over a possible move for the 31-year-old Spanish international. However, they face stiff competition from Inter Milan, Napoli, and Marseille for Laporte’s signature heading into the summer transfer window.
