Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing 26-year-old Colombian international Jhon Lucumi from Serie A club Bologna in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Corriere di Bologna, as relayed by Sport Witness, Jhon Lucumi is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are keen on bolstering their defensive unit in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Cristian Romero’s long-term future. So, the 26-year-old Bologna centre-back has emerged as a target for the North London outfit.

However, the South American defender is also a target for Aston Villa, with the West Midlands outfit “above all” in the battle to secure his signature in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Bologna centre-back has a release clause worth €28 million in his contract with the Serie A club.

Jhon Lucumi and his rise in Serie A

Jhon Lucumi has seen his stock soar since joining Bologna from KRC Genk in July 2022. The 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the last three years, establishing himself as one of the most dependable centre-backs in Serie A.

The Colombian international has turned out over 100 times thus far for Bologna while chipping in with one goal and three assists. Meanwhile, Lucumi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Premier League outfits, in particular, are keen on signing him, with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Aston Villa’s interest in Jhon Lucumi is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a centre-back coming into the summer transfer window. While Axel Disasi has returned to Chelsea after his loan spell, Tyrone Mings is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. So, the Bologna defender has emerged as a viable target for Aston Villa.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, Cristian Romero faces an uncertain future this summer amid his links with Atletico Madrid. So, the North London club must sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Lucumi emerging as a viable target. Meanwhile, the Bologna defender has a release clause worth €28 million, making him an appealing target.

However, Tottenham and the other Premier League clubs have fallen behind Aston Villa in the battle for his signature. The Villans are “in the driving seat” to land the 26-year-old Colombian international, and it will not be surprising to see them paying €28 million to secure his services.