Aston Villa have learned the latest information regarding the future of summer transfer target Matthias Ginter ahead of a potential swoop for the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender.
What’s the story?
Ginter, who is set to become a free agent this summer, was questioned regarding links to the Premier League club, with the 28-year-old responding by saying to German media outlet Sport1:
“I would like to hold back on specific clubs or domestic and foreign issues for the time being.
“But of course, you talk to different people and you have a few things that are important to you. Then you will see everything else.”
The 46-cap Germany international could sign a contract extension with Gladbach in the coming weeks, however, it appears as though the 28-year-old will be available to sign for free in the summer.
Earlier this week, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas shared that Sky Germany had reported Aston Villa’s interest.
#AstonVilla among the clubs interested in Matthias Ginter on a free transfer, acc. to Sky Germany. Separately, I’m aware he has been watched by a lot of top clubs this season including #Juventus, #Tottenham and #WestHam https://t.co/OzHTtF6aQx pic.twitter.com/5A7BFovzWY
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) April 12, 2022
Villa need Ginter
It’s no secret that Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be looking to heavily bolster his squad as the Englishman prepares for his first full season in charge of the West Midlands outfit next term.
There’s no doubt that, under the 41-year-old, Villa have improved, however, there has certainly been inconsistency throughout.
After ending a run of just one league win in seven matches with three consecutive victories, the Villans have since gone on to lose their last four matches in the top flight.
Moreover, in the last four matches, Gerrard’s men have conceded nine goals, with the statuses of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa being regular centre-backs again next season now under scrutiny.
Therefore, signing a defender with the quality and experience of Ginter would certainly be a shrewd move, particularly signing the German on a free transfer.
The Germany international is still a regular fixture in his country’s squads, having been part of the World Cup-winning side in 2014 and has made 46 appearances for the national team, now managed by former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick.
In terms of the current campaign, the 28-year-old has also been a regular for Gladbach, missing just three Bundesliga matches all season.
However, in general, it’s been a disappointing campaign for the North-Rhine outfit – who currently sit 11th in the German top flight with European football looking extremely unlikely next term.
Should Villa sign Ginter?
The £21.6m-rated centre-back currently averages a whopping 80.2 touches per league game, whilst completing 84% of his passes and making 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and three clearances per game.
According to SofaScore, Mings has been Villa’s best-performing centre-back this season. However, the 29-year-old averages fewer touches than Ginter with 59 whilst completing 81% of his passes and making 1.2 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 3.9 clearances.
Although the 28-year-old has only played in the Bundesliga throughout his career, it’s clear to see the quality and experience Villa would be receiving by securing his signature, so now it’s on sporting director Johan Lange to strike as the centre-back is seemingly set on a new challenge elsewhere.
AND in other news: Forget Young: Gerrard must finally unleash Aston Villa’s £2.5k-p/w “mini Gareth Barry”
