Former Manchester City and Athletic Club -defender Aymeric Laporte admitted for the first time that he was not completely satisfied in Saudi Arabia, only six months after his arrival and complained about the facilities. Last summer he showed that he could still compete at the highest level and a crucial part of the Spain defense that won Euro 2024. This summer he wants to come back to the highest level of the club competition.
Laporte has long been associated with a return to European football, and the 31-year-old hinted that he would be interested in moving to Real Madrid, both during the summer window and the winter transfer window. Now he is mentioned as a potential target for Arsenal and Aston Villa. It is thought that Laporte wants to go back to Europe to strengthen its candidacy for the Spain's World Cup team.
According to prison offside, Villa and Arsenal are two of the parties who have announced their interest to his agents. However, a number of clubs are also interested, including Napoli, Inter, Olympique Marseille and his first team Athletic Club. So far there have been no offers for him, and Arsenal will probably only move for him if there is an exit in defense. In the meantime, Villa seems to be a more realistic prospect.
The Saudi Arabian giants are open to a move, but hope to get so much of the € 27.5 million reimbursement that they have paid for him. They will listen to offers arriving, although their price tag is in mind an ambitious € 20-25 million, and they hope to bring a replacement before a deal happens.
Laporte has only had a year left at his deal, which should be a negotiating ship for the sides that he wants. Earlier this month it was reported that Athletic Manager Ernesto Valverde Laporte asked as their most important signing of the Champions League next season. They hope to get a deal for around € 10-15 million.