Opinion: Aston Villa won’t sign Irish international in January, deal virtually impossible
Aston Villa were linked with a surprise move for Harry Arter in January, but a deal looks highly unlikely due to the central midfielder being on loan at Cardiff City. Bournemouth are also unlikely to recall the Irish international to Dean Court so a move may have to wait until the summer.
If Villa want to sign Arter permanently at the end of his loan spell, reports suggest he has a £10m asking price. And with the Midlands outfit not standing a chance of loaning the midfielder in January, a deal looks virtually impossible. That’s not to say Arter isn’t a good player, however.
The 29-year-old has been a regular for Cardiff since making the summer switch from Bournemouth, racking up 19 Premier League appearances in his debut season. He could be available over the summer if Bournemouth don’t want to keep him, but Villa will be forced to wait regardless.
Arter had been a regular for the Cherries ever since he made the switch from Woking in 2010, but his future is uncertain with the South Coast outfit. The midfielder made only 13 Premier League appearances last season, spending much of the campaign as an unused substitute, so he could be available for transfer.
Villa won’t be signing him this month, however. Movement could be made in July or August.