According to a report by Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Jhon Lucumi is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The Villans are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit in the summer transfer window by signing a centre-back. So, the Bologna defender has emerged as a target for the West Midlands club.
The South American defender is also a target for Bournemouth, and his contract with the Serie A club has a release clause worth €28 million. However, Aston Villa and Bournemouth do not want to cough up €28 million to sign Lucumi from Bologna, and they have prepared offers lower than that sum.
Jhon Lucumi has established himself as one of the most dependable defenders in Serie A since joining Bologna from KRC Genk in August 2022. A native of Cali, the 26-year-old defender spent his formative years in his home town and graduated from the youth division at Deportivo Cali.
The Colombian international has come leaps and bounds during his spell with Bologna, turning out over 100 times thus far for the Serie A club while chipping in with one goal and three assists. Meanwhile, Lucumi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe, including Aston Villa.
Aston Villa’s interest in Jhon Lucumi is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window as they look to replace Axel Disasi, who has returned to Chelsea after his loan spell ended. In addition, Tyrone Mings is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career.
So, Aston Villa must sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with several candidates, including Aymeric Laporte, emerging on the West Midlands club’s radar. However, Lucumi is also a viable target, considering he is at the peak of his powers. However, the Bologna defender has a release clause worth €28 million in his contract with the Serie A club, which poses a problem for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth do not want to fork out €28 million to sign the 26-year-old Colombian international and have prepared bids that are lower than that sum. Meanwhile, Lucumi is also a target for other Premier League clubs, and a summer move to England may be on the cards.