Aston Villa are set for a busy summer transfer window as they gear up for another season of European football and the club have identified three key areas to strengthen in the upcoming months
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa
Aston Villa have been careful with their spending in the transfer window so far, but a crucial summer lies ahead. Unai Emery's squad will once again participate in European football for the upcoming season.
The last day of the previous Premier League season was a bitter pill to swallow as the Villans narrowly missed out on Champions League football and the accompanying financial benefits, due to a harsh turn of events away to Manchester United.
However, they will feature in the Europa League for the forthcoming term, and the club will need to prepare accordingly this summer. UEFA has thrown a slight curveball, fining the club £9.5million for breaching financial rules and imposing a sporting sanction.
The club can only register a new player on their UEFA List A if the List A transfer balance is positive, yet Villa do not see this as a significant hurdle.
Our colleagues at Mirror Football explore who could be coming in and heading out of Villa Park this summer, including a £50m recruit and £40m replacement.
£50m arrival in the form of Ferran Torres
Marco Asencio and Marcus Rashford's loan signings were key to Emery's side having an impressive campaign last year. Their departure, if not signed permanently, which currently seems unlikely, would leave a considerable void.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Asensio is on the radar of Inter Milan, Champions League finalists, and Rashford looks beyond reach for Villa, prompting the need for attacking reinforcements. Currently, only young Zepiqueno Redmond has been signed, but there is talk of a surprising target in Barcelona's Ferran Torres.
Spanish media hint that Barca might be open to negotiations for the former Man City winger for around £43m. Former Villa scout Bryan King advised Villa News about Emery's potential influence in brokering a deal.
"I think Emery will be a big factor," he mentioned. "The promise of regular first-team football, working under a Spanish manager and Spanish coaching staff. Life at Villa’ would be quite enjoyable, I think, for Torres."
Emi Martinez during an Aston Villa game
Emi Martinez during an Aston Villa game
Emi Martinez set for transfer with £40m keeper eyed.
On the departure front, Emi Martinez is poised to leave Villa Park during this window. The 32 year old World Cup hero has been stalwart in goal for Villa, yet Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are cited as possible new clubs.
If Martinez, who appeared tearful in what seemed like a farewell at the final home game last season, does depart, then landing a qualified successor in his stead becomes critical.
Lille's Lucas Chevalier appears to be the goalkeeper identified to step into Martinez's shoes, with Sky Sports Switzerland reporting in May that discussions had started about bringing the Frenchman to the Premier League.
Chevalier, valued at around £40m, kept 11 clean sheets in Ligue 1 last season, the second highest in the French top division, helping his team to a fifth-place finish.
Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne(Image: Ash Crowden/Shutterstock)
Lucas Digne sold and Ian Maatsen given more game time.
One position where Villa are well-stocked is at left-back. Lucas Digne joined from Everton in January 2022, and while he has had some off days, his set-piece skills and accurate crosses can be deadly.
Ian Maatsen was signed from Chelsea last summer. He spent the previous season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he reached the Champions League final.
Emery alternated between the two, favouring Digne, who seems to thrive under competition, last season, but rumours suggest the French full-back could be leaving Villa Park in the coming months, with Atletico Madrid mentioned as a possible destination by The Times.
The 31 year old is in the final year of his current contract, and while he has been a steady performer for Villa, offloading his wages and getting a fee for a player who could leave for free next summer might be a wise move, especially with Maatsen ready to step up.
Ollie Watkins
Wanted man... Villa striker Ollie Watkins(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Ollie Watkins remains despite links to Manchester United.
Despite the sale of Jhon Duran in January, Villa's beloved Ollie Watkins took the lead for most of the season, netting 16 league goals. This is a commendable tally, even though it's three less than his previous season's total.
Unlike Digne, Watkins is tied to Villa until 2028. However, now at the age of 29 and with big clubs like United showing interest, rumours are swirling about a potential move away from the West Midlands.
A price tag of £60m has been suggested, but considering the crucial role Watkins plays under Emery, not to mention his goal-scoring prowess, he should be considered virtually invaluable. Watkins is known for his tireless work ethic.
While his finishing can sometimes leave something to be desired, the amount of ground he covers, both centrally and out wide, is crucial to Villa's game plan. With no Rashford to push him onto the bench, he could put together some impressive performances next season, both in Europe and domestically.
Replacing him with an unproven player could jeopardise what is set to be a critical campaign.