European giants ‘OPTIMISTIC’ of reaching Aston Villa agreement

Bayer Leverkusen are “optimistic” of reaching an agreement to sign Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia on loan until the end of the season.

The Argentine has only started three games across all competitions so far this campaign, following his return from a serious ACL injury, and a January exit is on the cards.

Buendia has garnered interest from clubs in Germany, Italy and Saudi Arabia, as per The Athletic, although Aston Villa don’t intend to sanction a permanent departure and are likely to only allow a temporary loan deal.

READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2025 – All the Done Deals

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has now revealed that Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen are in formal negotiations to sign Buendia this month.

He posted on X: “Understand Bayer Leverkusen are optimistic of completing a loan move for Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia. Club-to-club talks [are] currently advanced.

“Buendia has several options but Leverkusen [are] now pushing to get a deal done.”

READ MORE: Real Madrid target €100m Jhon Duran

Xabi Alonso’s side are seeking a replacement for the injured Martin Terrier, and they have identified Buendia as a primary target amid his lack of game time at Villa Park.

The 28-year-old played 86 minutes during Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat to AS Monaco in the Champions League last week, but Unai Emery swiftly admitted that an exit is on the cards before Deadline Day.

“He has the option to leave but today we needed him,” Emery told reporters after the game. “He played fantastic with his quality, his mentality and commitment to the squad.”

Although Buendia is expected to leave Aston Villa on loan before the January window closes, he has reached an agreement to extend his contract at the club until 2027, according to The Athletic.

Jhon Duran to leave?

Meanwhile, Jhon Duran continues to be linked with an Aston Villa exit amid interest from a host of clubs across world football.

West Ham United have already seen a January bid rejected by Emery’s side, while Al-Nassr, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring his situation at Villa Park.