Villarreal have agreed a deal to complete the signing of exciting Argentinian youngster Luciano Vietto, the latest in a long line of attackers to be dubbed 'the new Messi'. Vietto, 20, is on the verge of completing his move from Racing Club for a fee of around €5.5million on a five-year deal, though the deal has not yet been confirmed as Valencia may still choose to exercise their right of first refusal 0n the player.
Vietto was given his professional debut for Racing three years ago by current Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and newly-promoted Leicester City, but the Yellow Submarine appear to have won the race for his highly sought-after signature. His form over the last two seasons has been inconsistent but he has been frequently played out of position under a succession of failing managers; when played in his preferred role as a second striker, he showed intelligence and skill, scoring with both feet and his head despite his slight structure at 5'8". He has made four appearances for Argentina u20s and scored twice, but given the wealth of attacking talent the World Cup finalists have at their disposal, a call-up to the senior side could still be some way off.
Vietto, who has also been likened to Sergio Agüero and Javier Saviola, had allegedly been in talks with former manager Simeone at Atlético but he has agreed terms with Villarreal and looks set to make the move in the coming days. La Submarino Amarillo will now have five forwards on their books, with Jonathan Pereira linked with a move away from the club. Having finished sixth in La Liga last year, Marcelino García Toral's men will be looking to build on an impressive season and Vietto could well provide the spark behind a good run in Europe or even a challenge for a return to the Champions League.