Aston Villa are currently frontrunners in the race for Celta Vigo player Óscar Mingueza as the defender’s time in Spain looks to be winding down. Reports from Sport Witness and Estadio Deportivo confirm the 26-year-old former Barcelona man has no plans to sign a new deal with the La Liga side.
While Celta manager Claudio Giráldez recently touched on the player’s “fantastic personality” and massive potential, the club are now bracing for his exit this summer. Arsenal and Fulham have also stepped up their interest, joining the West Midlands club in what is becoming a serious Premier League scramble for his signature.
Aston Villa are currently frontrunners in the race for Celta Vigo player Óscar Mingueza
The dynamic changed completely once Mingueza switched his representation to the British agency Unique Sports Group, which is a move that essentially killed off any contract talks with Celta. According to FotMob data, the versatile defender has made 27 La Liga appearances this season, racking up 1,689 minutes with four assists and a goal to his name.
His defensive work has been solid, totalling 77 key actions, but it’s his ability to slot in at right-back or right midfield that makes him so tempting for top-flight scouts. With a market value of €14.4 million, Mingueza represents a high-value, low-risk signing for English clubs looking to add quality on a free transfer.
Can Aston Villa beat top-four rivals for the Spaniard?
VIGO, SPAIN – MARCH 12: Oscar Mingueza of RC Celta de Vigo reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Club Celta and Olympique Lyonnais at Estadio Balaidos on March 12, 2026 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Villa’s interest in Óscar Mingueza looks like a calculated play by Unai Emery to add some depth ahead of another gruelling European run. While Arsenal might offer the prestige of a title charge, Villa Park offers a much more realistic path to the regular first-team football the Spaniard likely wants at this stage of his career. Looking at the current squad, Villa clearly need a specialist right-back to push Matty Cash, especially with younger options like Lamine Bogarde still finding their feet.
The Spanish connection at the club is also a major factor, given that Monchi has had the defender on his radar for some time. Beyond the links, Mingueza’s numbers suggest he’s ready for the physicality of the Premier League; he’s maintained an 84.1% passing accuracy and created 24 chances so far this term.
His high ranking for assists compared to other La Liga midfielders points to the kind of attacking threat that is exactly what Emery demands for overlapping fullbacks. For Aston Villa, winning this race will come down to whether they can promise him a starting spot before the likes of Juventus or Arsenal decide to make a formal move for the soon-to-be free agent.
