Already focused on the summer transfer window, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is now reportedly leading their charge to sign a Serie A midfielder in the coming months.
Emery focused on Tottenham game
Whilst the Villans continue to build their summer plan around the action on the pitch, Unai Emery's focus has not changed. Champions League qualification is still a possibility for his side, who have Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play as they wait for a potential slip up from those above them in the Premier League.
Emery will be well aware of just what's at stake in the next couple weeks and reiterated the need for focus ahead of this weekend's Tottenham game, telling reporters: "I am wishing to play. I don’t want holidays because we’re in a very good moment after a long season, but now we’re very, very motivated.
“Very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow, for our objectives we have in front of us to play again in Europe. It’s not in our hands but we can have some options to play Champions League again. And focusing on Tottenham because I know the most difficult way we can have is our own way, playing against Tottenham tomorrow and how we can beat them.”
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Monchi and Aston Villa could make their move...
Aston Villa won't need reminding what Champions League football can offer, either. They experienced moments that those at Villa Park will forever savour this season, with victory over Bayern Munich a particular standout. Now, however, they'll be desperate to ensure that their place among Europe's elite is not just a one off blip and, instead, a consistent feature of the competition.
Meanwhile, away from the action, Monchi is already thinking about the targets that could arrive with or without Champions League qualification.
Monchi leading Payero charge
According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now leading Aston Villa's charge to sign Martin Payero from Udinese this summer. The sporting director is reportedly a huge admirer of the midfielder, which could yet see the Villans push on and secure his signature in the coming months. In terms of depth, there's no doubt that the Argentine has plenty to offer.
League stats 24/25 per 90 (via FBref) Martin Payero Youri Tielemans
Minutes 1,381 2,997
Progressive Passes 3.33 7.03
Progressive Carries 2.16 1.17
Ball Recoveries 4.90 4.35
When assessing the numbers, it's clear that Payero wouldn't be able to offer the same quality in possession as Tielemans, but he would be able to complete the legwork that the Belgian arguably struggles with. And that could create quite the midfield combination for Emery.
It wouldn't be the first time that the midfielder enjoys a foray into English football, either, having previously been at Middlesbrough. It was there that he earned the praise of former manager Neil Warnock.
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The former manager told reporters when he unveiled the midfielder in 2021: "Martin will be a great addition to the squad. I think he will be an exciting signing, we’re delighted to get everything done, and we’re looking forward to working with him."