Fantasy Arsenal: Which player would you add from Aston Villa?

Is the Premier League restarting in June? The UK government has cleared a path for that possibility, but the reality of it is still a ways off. In the meantime, we starting a series where we transfer one play from each Premier League team.

As a refresher all moves are in isolation and you have to bring someone in - can’t skip a team. Base your votes not simply on who is the best player at the club, but instead a combination of the player’s profile and talent, potential cost, and Arsenal’s need at that position. Given where Arsenal are at and where things may stand heading into next season, which move makes the most sense for the club.

Catch up on the first article in this series: Norwich City

Up next is Aston Villa, currently 19th in the Premier League on 25 points.

Jack Grealish

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Projected Value: $34 million

Argument For: Grealish is a Premier League level talent player and if Aston Villa ends up getting relegated he surely has to make a transfer to remain in the top flight this time around. He leads the club in goals (9) and assists (8) this year and at 24 his stock is at an all time (in relation, given all fees are expected to dip this summer). He was expected to make his full senior debut for England this year and could fit quite nicely into the Mesut Ozil role as he eventually exits Arsenal.

Douglas Luiz

Position: Center Midfielder

Projected Value: $20 million

Argument For: The 22-year-old Brazilian and former Manchester City prospect was a fixture for Villa in the midfield this season, leading the team with 32 appearances. With 82% passing accuracy Luiz was solid, but it’s hard to fully judge his potential in this current squad. This past fall he got his first senior cap for the Brazilian national team. Could he fit into a potential Arteta 4-3-3?

John McGinn

Position: Center Midfielder

Projected Value: $18 million

Argument For: After coming up in the Scottish Premiership, McGinn joined Villa ahead of the 2018-19 season, helping them get promoted to the Premier League - including 7 goals and 10 assists. The 25-year-old has 21 caps for Scotland and has featured throughout the midfielder, but was primarily a CM this season in England. He created an average of 4.22 shots chances per game, which would have put him top at Arsenal (for players playing more than a game or two).

Tyrone Mings

Position: Centerback

Projected Value: $25 million

Argument For: With 40 Premier League appearances and 72 in the Championship, Mings would have the experience to step in from the start. The 27-year-old recently capped for England, was 2nd in passing accuracy for Villa (82%) and passes completed. However, at $25 million, would be really be the smartest money spent over using someone like Rob Holding or pushing William Saliba straight in?

Wesley Moraes

Position: Forward

Projected Value: $26 million

Argument For: With both Aubameyang and Lacazette expected to exit the club over the next 18 months, is Wesley the right type of forward for Arsenal to target? Six goals in his first season in England isn’t an explosive stat that will have anyone banging down Villa’s door, but at just 22 and 6’2” he would bring height the Gunners’ attack has lacked since Giroud left. He would offer a much different attacking option to Martinelli or Nketiah. Wesley was on a 50% shot on target rate when the season paused.

So considering where Arsenal stand at the moment and how their finances may look coming out of this period, which Aston Villa player would be make the move for? Or is there another player on their roster which you think offers a better value and suits the club’s needs more?