Football
Exclusive: Aston Villa and Brentford Eye Olympique Marseille Star Robinio Vaz Amid Contract Standoff
Robinio Vaz's future at Olympique Marseille is uncertain as Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Brentford, and Chelsea are monitoring his situation. Vaz, 18, has yet to sign a new contract with Marseille despite offers and recent criticism from coach Roberto De Zerbi. With impressive performances off the bench, Vaz's potential transfer fee could be around €25-30 million. Marseille's sporting director is working to keep him at the club, but Vaz's decision is imminent.
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-MARSEILLE-LE HAVRE by MIGUEL MEDINA | Getty Images
Although he still has two years left on his contract, Robinio Vaz might be on his way out of Olympique Marseille this month with several Premier League teams monitoring his situation in France amid Roberto De Zerbi's recent criticism.
Aston Villa, Brentford and Chelsea are on high alert regarding the situation of French-born striker Robinio Vaz who has been reluctant to sign a new contract with Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille, SportsBoom reveals.
Vaz broke into Marseille's first-team in January 2025 and he reciprocated Roberto De Zerbi's trust in him with standout super-substitute appearances in crucial games.
SportsBoom can confirm that Marseille have offered the 18-year-old a new contract to fend off transfer interests but he has yet to put pen to paper which is making the leadership of the French club very impatient.
During Sunday's Ligue 1 match against Nantes, Vaz was left on the bench as Marseille lost 2-0 at the Velodrome and De Zerbi was quick to criticise the youngster's performance in training by claiming that he was not hungry enough to play in the game.
However, in contrast, Vaz has been impactful from the bench this season with four goals and two assists in his 13 Ligue 1 appearances.
Aston Villa & Brentford lead Vaz's pursuit
Vaz joined Marseille in July 2024 and he was rewarded with a long-term contract until 2028, a year later.
The teenager is considered as one of the future stars of Marseille alongside Darryl Bakola and Bilal Nadir who have enjoyed ample playing minutes with the first team.
Aston Villa caught a glimpse of Vaz's brilliance during their pre-season friendly game in Marseille in the summer and they could strike a deal with the French club in the region of €25-30 million.
Marseille's sporting director, Medhi Benatia has been doing his best to fend off offers since last summer but it is only a matter of time before the 18-year-old decides his future.
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