Aston Villa has intensified their efforts to secure the signing of Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom, who is also a target for Everton, according to reports from Il Mattino.
Lindstrom, who joined Napoli from Eintracht Frankfurt for €30 million last year, faced a challenging debut season in Italy, starting only two Serie A matches and failing to score or assist in the league throughout the entire campaign.
Despite his subdued first year, both Aston Villa and Everton have expressed interest in bringing the 24-year-old attacking midfielder to the Premier League. Earlier this week, Italian outlet Il Mattino reported that Villa had initiated discussions for Lindstrom, and on Tuesday, they reportedly made a verbal proposal of €30 million for his services.
Villa and Everton are competing for the signature of Lindstrom.
The playmaker had been highly sought after last summer
Jesper Lindstrom, who developed through the academy at his boyhood club Brondby, burst onto the scene in the 2019/20 season and earned a move to Frankfurt in 2021. Over two impressive seasons with die Adler, he established himself as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, attracting interest from clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool.
However, the Denmark international eventually made a high-profile switch to Napoli, where he has since been frustrated by limited playing opportunities. Often deployed on the right side of the attack or as a false nine at Eintracht, these positions have largely been occupied by Victor Osimhen, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Matteo Politano at Napoli.
Now, Aston Villa and Everton are looking to provide the versatile playmaker—praised as a “huge talent” by goalkeeper Kevin Trapp—with an escape route. Villa aims to add depth to their squad as they prepare for the added burden of Champions League football, while Everton seeks an additional creative outlet to enhance their attack.
According to Il Mattino, Napoli is carefully considering Villa’s €30m proposal, and Lindstrom is awaiting the club’s decision. Villa is reportedly the club most actively pursuing Lindstrom, with a deal for Jaden Philogene already agreed. Meanwhile, Everton has also reportedly opened talks over his signing last week.
Lindstrom is being considered as a potential replacement for Ramsey at Villa.
The academy product is a target for Tottenham
Tottenham are reportedly considering a deal to acquire Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, who is valued at £50 million by the club. Despite only making eight league starts last season, Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly hesitant to approve the transfer.
However, a £50 million offer for the academy product might be too tempting to refuse. Villa could potentially identify Lindstrom as a replacement. Although they have different playing styles, both players operate in similar positions. If both deals occur at the suggested valuations, Villa could gain a surplus of approximately £25 million, which could be reinvested in other areas of the squad.