Nicolas Raskin Re-Emerges As £15million Aston Villa Transfer Target

Unai Emery is believed to be interested in taking Nico Raskin to Aston Villa this summer.

The Rangers midfielder, 24, is one of the top performers in the Scottish Premiership and has experience in Europe where he has flourished for the club.

That has alerted Premier League clubs to his talents and the Villans were reportedly keen on the Belgian international last season. Emery wants new bodies to help his side continue their ascent up the division and the head coach likes Raskin.

Aston Villa are interested in Rangers star Nico Raskin

Some reports have suggested the Ibrox outfit have slapped a £25million price tag on their midfielder’s head which would make him their most expensive sale of all time by a country mile.

Calvin Bassey left Gers for Ajax in 2022 for just over £19m and that has been their record deal. Before then their most amount of money recouped for one player was for Nathan Patterson (£12m) to Everton in 2021 and Gio van Bronckhorst before then in 2001 for a similar fee.

It is understood Raskin would command a sizeable amount even if £25m might price some clubs out. Aston Villa, however, could have cash to spend if Villa sell Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £50m.

Raskin has interest from Leeds United also in the Premier League this window while Crystal Palace like the player, however neither have made any sort of approach as of yet.

Why Raskin could make jump to Premier League

The interest comes after former interim coach at Rangers – and ex-captain – Barry Ferguson insisted he was adamant Raskin could make the move to the Prem and do well.

He said: “Nico can play in the Premier League all day long. I worked with him for three months. He has all the attributes and is still at a brilliant age.

“He still has some things he needs to tidy up on, but he understands that. He’s got an opinion which I liked. He’s really interested and keen to learn.

“All day long he can play in the Premier League. Now, Rangers have got to be looking for big money for Nico. I am looking at £15 million at least for Nico – and the rest!”

Current Ibrox boss Russell Martin recently admitted that Raskin has felt affected by the transfer speculation surrounding his future.

Before starring against Viktoria Plzen in a Champions League qualifier, Raskin has had to deal with off-field rumours constantly.

Rangers boss says Nico Raskin’s head turned by transfer talk

And Martin said it has taken a toll on the player’s mindset early on.

“There’s been a bit of uncertainty about him this summer, for sure,” Martin said.

“Not from people ringing us, but I think from people ringing him, definitely.

“I think that’s affected his approach, not in terms of professionalism and stuff, but he’s a young man, of course it’s going to have an impact at some point.”