Aston Villa are in talks with Galatasaray over a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, according to Foot Mercato.
The Villans are keen to strengthen their squad after the 2024/25 season ended in disappointment as they failed to qualify for the Champions League, and Unai Emery now wants to get the team back there after reaching the quarter-finals last season.
The club are expected to have a busy summer transfer window as a result, and talks are now underway for the club to bolster their midfield options.
Aston Villa 'In Talks' to Sign Sara
Galatasaray want £17m
Villa Park (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa have identified former Norwich City star Sara as a target for their midfield area, and have opened talks with his current club Galatasaray about a deal.
The Turkish champions value the midfielder, who turns 26 on Thursday, at around £17m despite an impressive debut campaign following a £15m move from the Canaries last summer.
Villa are expected to be forced to sell some first-team players in the coming weeks to ease their concerns over FFP and PSR, and a bargain deal for Sara could be seen as the perfect opportunity to bring in quality options for a cut-price to help save money
Gabriel Sara Statistics (Turkish Super Lig)
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Appearances:
Goals:
Assists:
Big chances created:
Key passes:
Balls recovered per game:
Successful dribbles:
Ground duels won:
Aerial duels won:
Sara, who has been described as 'magical', had a fine campaign with Galatasaray as they lifted the Super Lig title, registering two goals and ten assists in 42 appearances for the Istanbul club in the 2024/25 season.
Villa will face competition for his signature, however, with Inter Milan and Manchester United also said to be keen on doing a deal for the midfielder.
Emery is also looking at strengthening the striker department in his squad with the club 'seriously' considering a move to sign Barcelona star Ferran Torres, while there is also interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 25/06/2025.
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