Unai Emery can now sign a defender compared to Sergio Ramos for free this summer – with Aston Villa leading the race.

The Villans look set to make a return to the UEFA Champions League next season as Tottenham fail to take advantage of their games in hand – as a result, the squad will need to be strengthened even more.

Aston Villa have shown real ambition in splashing £51.9m on Moussa Diaby and £35m on Pau Torres.

Now – however – there is a top player Unai Emery can bring to Aston Villa for nothing this summer…

Aston Villa can sign Mario Hermoso for free

Well – according to Calciomercato – Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Mario Hermoso this summer.

The Villans had been alerted to the prospect of the Spain international leaving Atletico Madrid for nothing as discussions over a new contract fail to progress.

Now – according to Fabrizio Romano – Hermoso will be departing the Wanda Metropolitano on a free transfer this summer, which is sure to make Aston Villa sit up and take notice.

The reliable Italian journalist wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Atletico Madrid decision is confirmed: Mario Hermoso will not sign new deal and he’s set to leave the club as free agent. Plans are not changing. Hermoso, exploring several opportunities as he’s not agreed terms with any club yet.”

So far this season, the Atletico Madrid No.22 has made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals while also providing two assists.

Compared to Sergio Ramos

Hermoso is not exactly a household name outside of Spain, so Aston Villa fans may not know too much about the 28-year-old.

If that is the case, a comparison to a more popular player might help.

Interestingly, Hermoso has been compared to Sergio Ramos – by the Aston Villa target himself.

Speaking to Marca in Spain, the central defender said: “Sergio Ramos. He’s very similar to me, looking after the ball, with personality, risk, defending strong with the high line.”

Hermoso also boasts 29 appearances in the UEFA Champions League to his name, so if Aston Villa do manage to qualify for Europe’s greatest club competition, this knowhow would surely prove invaluable to Emery next season.