Arsenal hot prospect departs for Aston Villa

Aston Villa have signed Lino Sousa from Arsenal on transfer deadline day, in a deal that appears to have caught several off guard after manager Unai Emery yesterday informed reporters the club would sign no additional players during January. Portuguese starlet Sousa joined Arsenal from West Bromwich Albion in 2022, but didn't appear even once for the Emirates outfit, and the player has been immediately sent on loan to Plymouth Argyle.

Portugal-born Sousa can operate at left-back  but has been known to play in central defence and has appeared for England's youth international teams at every level up to the under-19 team. Arsenal had seen a bright future for the defender, only for manager Mikel Arteta decide to let the player leave permanently.

It is understood that Aston Villa have paid an up front £5 million for Sousa, with a further £7.5 million depending on appearances and silverware at Emery's side.

In completing a deal, Villa have apparently beaten numerous teams in Portugal to the signing, and Arsenal will now further balance their books after an expensive summer transfer window last year.