Villa seal Zaniolo loan switch following Buendia injury

Aston Villa have signed Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray on loan, subject to a successful visa application.

The Premier League side will also reportedly have an option to sign him permanently.

Zaniolo, 24, is set to fill the void left by Emiliano Buendia, who was ruled out with a long-term knee ligament injury last week.

The attacking midfielder only joined Galatasaray from Roma in January but will now play Premier League football.

He spoke about the move on Villa's website, saying: "Aston Villa is one of the best teams in England and in the Premier League. 

"I want to play and show my quality. Unai Emery is one of the greatest coaches in the world. And for me, this is a big occasion to show my quality. 

"For the team, it’s a chance to do big things."

Villa sporting director Monchi signed Zaniolo for Roma, developing a relationship that has likely helped the Midlands outfit seal the quickfire deal.

He scored the winning goal as the Serie A side won the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2022 — a competition Villa will compete in for the first time this term.