Aston Villa are preparing plans to strengthen their squad for the 2026-27 campaign as they get set for a return to the Champions League.
Unai Emery's side beat Liverpool 4-2 at Villa Park last week to secure a place in the top five of the Premier League. In their last Champions League campaign, they reached the quarter-finals of the competition but were knocked out by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in a gripping tie.
Villa have continued to improve under Emery and were briefly involved in the Premier League title race this campaign but were unable to sustain their challenge.
Adding more quality in the summer will be a top priority as they prepare to battle on a number of fronts once again.
Aston Villa have 'serious' offer on the table for Gabriel Sara
Gabriel Sara
According to reports in Turkey, Villa have made a 'serious' offer as they look to sign Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray.
The 26-year-old Brazilian made the move to the Turkish Super Lig in 2024. He has previously played in England, spending two years with Norwich City before his move to Galatasary.
According to Turkish journalist Süleyman Rodo, as relayed by Sport Witness, there is an offer from Villa as they attempt to sign Sara.
Rodo said: “Aston Villa’s offer for Gabriel Sara is quite serious. At the end of this process, Gabriel Sara is expected to most likely be heading to England.”
It is not clear if the offer is to the club itself or the player - or perhaps both - although that is likely to be clarified in the coming weeks.
The report from Sport Witness credits both Everton and Newcastle with an interest in the player.
He has made 87 appearances for Galatasary, scoring eight goals and providing 15 assists in that time. He has missed out on Brazil's squad for the World Cup, which was announced by manager Carlo Ancelotti earlier this week.
Aston Villa most attractive option for Gabriel Sara
Aston Villa manager Unai EmeryREUTERS/Chris Radburn
Villa's ability to offer Sara Champions League football could prove key as they seek to seal a move for the midfielder.
Premier League rivals Newcastle are staring down a bottom-half finish this campaign and are highly unlikely to have any form of European football next season.
Everton are in a similar position as they sit on the same points as the Magpies but with a minus two goal difference. The Toffees will need a number of results to go their way on the final day in order to finish in a European spot.
Villa can finish fifth at worst but for that to occur they would need to lose to Manchester City on Sunday in their final outing with Liverpool also beating Brentford at Anfield.
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