Aston Villa are gearing up for their mouth-watering clash away at Paris Saint Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League later tonight.
The Villains travel to the Parc De Princes in fine form, having won their last seven consecutive games, a run that has seen them advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Unai Emery will be hoping to continue this winning streak away at his former club as Aston Villa look to win their second Champions League crown, having won their first in 1982.
At the heart of their upturn in form has been their three January signings – Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
Marco Asensio set for PSG reunion
Asensio in particular has been a revelation since joining the club, rediscovering the type of form that made him one of Europe’s top prospect when he was a youngster at Real Madrid.
The Spaniard joined Aston Villa on loan from PSG and he is set to make a return to the Parc De Princes to face his parent club.
Asensio signed for PSG in 2023 but failed to make a significant impact in Paris, often being used as a substitute.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans hinted at how Asensio would be feeling before his PSG reunion.
“Probably a strange one because you can never predict in advance that you are going to face your own team, really. He has been brilliant since he has came in. He has worked really hard and you can see that on the pitch.
“He makes efforts for the team defensively. Offensively, you can just see his class whenever he touches the ball.
“I remember his first cameo at Villa Park, he was brilliant and glided through midfielders who he came up against. I like him a lot because he works very hard for the team and takes responsibility with the ball.”
Aston Villa expected to sign Asensio this summer
Given his fine form, you would expect the Villains to be eager to make his loan move permanent with the Spaniard appearing to have no future at PSG under Luis Enrique.
Other teams such as both Milan clubs and Real Betis have also registered interest in signing the 29 year-old in the summer but Aston Villa are said to be in pole position, having revived the attacking midfielder’s career.
| Aston Villa stats | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Marco Asensio | 11 | 8 | 1 |
It is believed that Unai Emery has told sporting director Monchi to do everything possible to secure his signature, with GIVEMESPORT claiming he’ll be available for as little as £13m this summer window.