Aston Villa arrival backed for transfer to City, Chelsea or Tottenham by man who knows him well

Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi has been backed for a future transfer to Manchester City, Chelsea, or Tottenham by his former youth coach Federico Valente. The 21-year-old joined Aston Villa from Freiburg in a permanent €60m deal over the summer following an impressive World Cup with Switzerland. He has started strongly under manager Unai Emery, scoring two goals in the Premier League, including the winner in a 1-0 victory against Newcastle.

Valente, who coached the Swiss international at Freiburg's academy, praised Manzambi's exceptional mentality and rapid adaptation to English football despite missing pre-season due to injury. Describing Villa's signing as a transfer coup, Valente suggested that while playing under Emery provides an ideal stepping stone, the midfielder has the attributes to develop into a world-class talent and eventually join a top-four Premier League club.