All the paper talk today suggests that Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Charles N’Zogbia from Wigan for a fee in the region of £9.5 million.
There’s no official confirmation of such an agreement from either club at this point but the reports suggest that the French winger will undergo a medical and agree terms within the next 24-hours.
While we wouldn’t normally deal in pure speculation or discuss a transfer yet to be concluded, N’Zogbia’s potential more to Villa Park carries such significance, it deserves our early attention.
Of all the summer transfers so far, this one could have a major impact on the prospects of both clubs and several players nestled in the low-to-mid price brackets across the various Fantasy games.
N’Zogbia himself, a long-time Fantasy favourite, will likely find himself a key player once again. While he has arguably been the leading light at Wigan, his influence and match winning potential seems unlikely to be diluted by a move to Villa Park. With Ashley Young and Stewart Downing now departed, the scene is set for N’Zogbia to take charge at set-plays and orchestrate the key threat to the opposition, in much the same way he did at the Latics. His mid-price value (7.5 in the Fantasy Premier League game) will look appealing to many, particularly those who choose to turn their backs on the goal-getting potential of Darren Bent for Villa’s favourable opening spell of fixtures.
N’Zogbia’s arrival will however have a likely impact on the potential of Marc Albrighton. The England U21 international was expected to build on an hugely encouraging first season in the Premier League by stepping up to fill the void left by Young and Downing. While his starting role should remain assured, N’Zogbia will likely take on the role of lock-picker, supplier of crosses and assists and deadball duties. Albrighton’s potential for points will take a hit – albeit a minor one.
There could be better news for Fantasy managers back at Wigan. Robbed of N’Zogbia’s trickery and guile, Roberto Martinez has a ready-made replacement in Victor Moses. While the 20-year-old lacks the experience and pedigree of the Frenchman, he has the ability in his locker and the hunger to prove himself in the top flight. Already sparkling in pre-season, Moses will surely relish the prospect of regular starts. With a budget price across the various games (5.0 in the Fantasy Premier League), Fantasy managers should also look forward to Moses realising at least some of his potential should the N’Zogbia deal be concluded.
