Villa manager pleased with new recruit.
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Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has expressed his delight at securing the signing of Danish striker Nicklas Helenius, ESPN reports.
The 22-year-old is a 6 foot 5 target man, and has impressed with his goal-scoring record in the Danish league with former side Aalborg, at one point attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal.
Helenius has joined Villa for just £2million, and looks like a good prospect to make a big name for himself in English football, much like Christian Benteke did in 2012/13.
The little-known Belgian arrived for £7million from Genk, and is now being coveted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs after an excellent first season in the Premier League.
Lambert showed a good eye for discovering talent on that occasion, and believes he has pulled off another good deal with Helenius.
“Nicklas is a young lad but also a full international with a good goalscoring record in Denmark and he’ll prove himself in the Premier League,” Lambert said.
“The opportunity will be there for him, as it will be for the rest of the lads and he has all the attributes to go and take it. He wants to go and make a name and a career for himself and he’s made a good start at Aalborg. It’s a case of continuing to work hard and building on that and I believe he can.”
Villa have been busy in this summer’s transfer window, and may be preparing for the exit of Benteke, as the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are reportedly willing to offer over £20million for the 22-year-old.
Lambert’s side struggled against relegation this season, but will be hoping to improve their squad and aim for higher next year.