Aston Villa appears to be on the verge of securing the signature of Ross Barkley, but it seems Unai Emery may still be eyeing additional talent for the squad.
- Aston Villa are seeking new signings to capitalise on their Champions League qualification.
- Ross Barkley and Conor Gallagher have been linked, with Villa eyeing midfielder and additions.
- A successful end to the 2022/23 campaign brought about quality signings, adding depth and off-field benefits.
This summer represents a pivotal moment for Aston Villa, as they seek to leverage their Champions League status to entice top-tier talent to Villa Park, potentially heralding a prosperous new era for the club. Fabrizio Romano has exclusively informed GIVEMESPORT that there are two positions where the Villans may focus their spending this transfer window.
With their current top-four status, a window of opportunity as proactive as this may not present itself again soon. This marks the first time in 41 years that Aston Villa has qualified for the European Cup or Champions League. Having previously secured signings of top-class players, their qualification to compete against giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could significantly elevate the caliber of players willing to join Villa Park.
Aston Villa: Latest Transfer News
The Villans appear to be nearing the announcement of their first signing.
Villa has been strongly linked with several stars, with Ross Barkley notably in advanced discussions for a reported move from Luton Town for approximately £5 million. Additionally, Conor Gallagher, Chelsea’s midfield standout, has emerged as a target, especially with only one year remaining on his contract. Preliminary discussions have reportedly taken place between the two clubs. Gallagher, a product of Cobham, is yet to be offered a new contract by Chelsea, creating an opportunity for Villa to pursue him.
| Ross Barkley’s Premier League statistics – Luton Town squad ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 32 | 5th |
| Assists | 4 | =2nd |
| Key Passes Per Game | 1.4 | =2nd |
| Average Passes Per Game | 44 | 1st |
| Match rating | 7.05 | 1st |
| Statistics via WhoScored – Correct as of 05/06/2024 | ||
Andreas Pereira of Fulham has also been linked with a move to the club following his solid season for the Cottagers. However, considering the already settled squad that would be brimming with midfielders should Barkley and Gallagher join, it’s challenging to identify where Pereira would fit in. Therefore, it’s crucial for Villa to allocate their budget towards acquiring genuine quality through marquee signings, given the remarkable depth of their current squad.
Romano has indicated that “internal discussions” are underway at Villa regarding potential targets, setting the stage for what could be a monumental summer in the west Midlands.
Speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Romano revealed that Villa’s summer plans include the addition of two new players alongside Barkley, with one of them intended to strengthen the midfield and provide competition for a first-team place.
Aston Villa’s recent recruitment has been impeccable, with a string of outstanding signings propelling them into the top four.
The Villans enjoyed a remarkable transfer window last summer, laying the foundation for unparalleled success in the recent campaign. The acquisitions of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans, and Moussa Diaby injected genuine top-flight quality into their squad through permanent deals, while Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet arrived on loan, significantly strengthening the team. This strategic approach of gradually enhancing the squad following their promotion from the Championship in 2019 proved immensely beneficial for the club.
With Diaby and Tielemans contributing a combined total of 14 goals and 8 assists, Villa gained the foundation to progress from their seventh-placed finish under Emery in 2022/23 to comfortably secure Champions League spots, despite experiencing a late setback.
Their signings didn’t just enhance the team’s on-field performance but also ensured longevity off the pitch. Diaby’s presence allowed players like Leon Bailey and Zaniolo to be rested, preserving their energy instead of utilizing them in every match. Similarly, Torres’ arrival provided versatility, enabling Ezri Konsa to shift to right-back when necessary, rather than deploying a player of lesser quality in that position. It was in these games, where Villa would typically struggle due to a slightly weakened lineup, that their newfound depth propelled them over the Champions League threshold.