Dunne is closing in on a move to Villa before the close of the transfer window next week.
“The deal for Dunne will be great news for Villa,” said Petrov.
“Richard’s an international player, he’s been in the Premier League for so many years and is one of the game’s big players.
“It’s going to be a big signing for Villa. It will give us a strong defender at the back and, of course, he’s definitely a true leader.
“He’s the captain of Ireland, he’s been the captain of Manchester City, so you love to see players like that coming to this club.
“Laursen was a big player for us, with his presence and his influence. But he, like Gareth Barry, is now gone and we need to get on without him.
“The arrival of Dunne can help us to do that.”
