Aston Villa are targeting Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza ahead of the summer, with his contract set to expire in June, according to reports. The Midlands club are among several Premier League sides monitoring the right-back, including Arsenal and Fulham.

Mingueza is expected to leave Celta after four seasons and become a free agent. The 26-year-old came through Barcelona’s academy and made 66 senior appearances for the club before moving on in 2022.

Villa have reportedly been tracking his progress for some time and remain keen on bringing him in. Manager Unai Emery is looking to strengthen competition at right-back for Matty Cash, and Mingueza’s versatility—being able to play on either side or centrally—makes him an appealing option.

The defender, previously described as a “wonderful talent,” has earned four caps for Spain, with his most recent appearance coming in last year’s UEFA Nations League final loss to Portugal.

However, Villa are unlikely to have a clear path. Arsenal and Fulham are also interested, while Juventus are said to be in the mix from Serie A.

Arsenal view Mingueza as a possible alternative to Ben White and have included him on a shortlist alongside Newcastle’s Tino Livramento. Fulham, meanwhile, could offer more consistent playing time but lack the appeal of European competition.

With Arsenal leading the Premier League and Villa currently in a strong position to secure Champions League football, the race for Mingueza could hinge on both ambition and opportunity.