Aston Villa have been hit with a potential setback in their hunt for Marseille's star midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

What's the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via Birmingham Live, who claim that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are set to "close" a deal for the 22-year-old.

Kamara is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Villa touted as one of the potential clubs vying for his signature, in what was seemed to be an open race between Gerrard's side and Atletico Madrid.

Though, according to the report, it looks as though the France starlet has signed a pre-agreement with Simeone's side ahead of this summer's transfer window.

Supporters will be gutted

The saga surrounding Kamara's future, amidst interest from Aston Villa, has seemingly circulated for months. And with Gerrard looking to strengthen in the holding midfielder position, it will come as a big blow to not only him, but the Villa faithful.

Kamara boasts some serious numbers this season, so it is not wonder as to why Villa have been chasing the signature of the 22-year-old.

In comparison to Douglas Luiz, Kamara outdoes the Brazilian in the majority of metrics. The Frenchman's passing stats are a particular standout, with his 72.09 average passes completed per 90 at a completion rate of 79.23% massively outdoing that of Luiz's measly total of 39.69 passes per 90, with an average of 83%.

Whilst their defensive metrics are similar, with Kamara just pipping Luiz overall, it is his ability in possession that would make him such a good asset for a Villa side who look to dominate the ball, but have struggled somewhat this season - as can be seen from their rank of 14th place in the average possession charts, with just 46.2% possession averaged across 36 games.

Kamara's average of 89.51 touches make him a metronome in the engine room, with his 60.54 carries better than the likes of Declan Rice, who has averaged 48.61 per 90.

Villa will be gutted at what will seem like a missed opportunity for NSWE to bag a star who displays potential akin to world-class.

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