EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa to block January exit for on-loan star with Unai Emery keen to maintain squad depth ahead of crucial second half of the season
Aston Villa are opposed to cutting short Clement Lenglet’s loan and allowing him to join another club in the January transfer window.
Lenglet joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in the summer but has only featured in the Europa Conference League this season.
He has yet to play a minute of Premier League football this season despite being on the bench for every game since his arrival at Villa Park.
Barcelona are prepared to find a new club for him in January and AC Milan are keen to sign the defender on loan in the winter window.
The Frenchman is also keen to move on from Villa Park but according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport (via Tutto Mercato), Aston Villa do not want to lose him.
The Midlands club are sitting third in the Premier League table, just a point behind league leaders Arsenal. They are currently in the title race and Unai Emery does not want to weaken his squad in the middle of the season.
Lenglet’s experience could come in handy in the latter half of the campaign and the Villa boss wants him to stay.
It remains to be seen whether Villa can convince Lenglet and Barcelona to continue their partnership for the rest of the season.
