Gerard Deulofeu Issues Blunt Response to Aston Villa Links After Agent Claims

Gerard Deulofeu has all-but ruled out a January move to Premier League outfit Aston Villa, telling CBS Sports that he is ‘happy’ in Serie A and wants to stay at Udinese.  

Earlier this month, Deulofeu’s agent admitted that Aston Villa had expressed an interest in a £15 million Spain international with Sevilla, Barcelona and AC Milan adorning his packed CV.

The silky winger, at the age of 28, has finally added some much-needed end product to his speed and skill, scoring 13 goals and setting up five more in 2021/22. But while Emery has made a new winger one of his top priorities before the window closes – Villa are short in wide areas following the departures of Anwar El-Ghazi, Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet – Deulofeu is in no rush to leave an Udinese outfit dreaming of a top half finish for the first time in a decade. 

UNAI EMERY’S ASTON VILLA LIKE GERARD DEULOFEU

“(Speculation) has happened a lot in my career,” Deulofeu says when quizzed on those Aston Villa links.  

“I’ve learned, in soccer and in life, that you have to live in the present, think, and be happy. I am here, and I am happy. I want to stay here, and I do not care about the future. Being happy is the most important thing for me, and I am happy. 

“Udinese is an amazing family club. I am really proud to be here. They have given me a lot of confidence to play and enjoy myself. I am proud to be at this historic Italian club.” 

“It is really exciting. Now, we are in (poor form) but we are still in a good position. So our season is still really good. We must improve, though.” 

Aston Villa have already brought in Alex Moreno from Real Betis and Chicago Fire starlet Jhon Duran this month. A high-quality central midfielder is also on Emery’s wishlist, though Matteo Guendouzi and Mikel Merino appear to have doubts about joining a club still in the bottom half of the Premier League table. 

Villa released forgotten man Frederic Guilbert this week, while Danny Ings may also be on his way out the door. According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have agreed a £15 million deal for the England international.