Monchi has a busy week ahead as Aston Villa look to complete their summer transfer business
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Aston Villa are looking to strengthen Unai Emery’s squad in the final days of the summer transfer window.
It’s been a relatively quiet window for Villa in terms of incomings, with only Marco Bizot and Evann Guessand arriving so far.
On the departures side, Jacob Ramsey has been the headline exit, joining Newcastle United for £40 million.
Leander Dendoncker and Alex Moreno have both left on free transfers, while Leon Bailey is out on loan at AS Roma, who hold a £19 million option to buy him next summer.
Meanwhile, Enzo Barrenechea has joined Benfica on loan, though clauses in the deal could make the move permanent.
With just over a week left before the window closes, here’s a look at what business could still be done…
Nicolas Jackson on loan
Emery’s top target heading into the final stages of the window is Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegal international first broke through at Villarreal under Emery, who also tried to bring him to Villa shortly after replacing Steven Gerrard. A move never materialised, however — Jackson instead came close to joining Bournemouth at the end of the January 2023 window before the transfer collapsed. That summer, he signed for Chelsea for around £30 million.
After two seasons at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has made Jackson available, and there’s no shortage of interest. Villa are among the clubs keen, though Chelsea’s loan fee demands are currently proving too high. Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation.
Jaydee Canvot of Toulouse
Jaydee Canvot of Toulouse(Image: Photo by LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)
Jaydee Canvot deal
Villa remain in the hunt for Toulouse starlet Jaydee Canvot, though their budget is tight.
The 19-year-old, capable of playing both at centre-back and in midfield, is regarded as one of Ligue 1’s brightest young talents — drawing comparisons to Lamare Bogarde.
Toulouse want €20 million for him, while Canvot himself is understood to be keen on a move to Villa. Reports also suggest he recently rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, preferring to prioritise his footballing development in Europe.
Emi Buendía decision
Villa find themselves in a familiar position with Emi Buendía.
Last summer, the Argentine was returning from an ACL injury and stayed in the squad to provide depth, though he saw limited minutes in the first half of the campaign. In January, he joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan, with a £17 million buy option that the German champions chose not to activate.
After impressing in pre-season, Villa are now leaning towards keeping him. However, if Villa manage to secure Jackson, Buendía’s opportunities could again be limited given the competition from Guessand, John McGinn, Donyell Malen, Morgan Rogers, and even Youri Tielemans in supporting roles.
One potential window for regular action could come during AFCON, when both Guessand and Jackson (if signed) will be away on international duty.
Marco Asensio return?
Marco Asensio has always been in Villa’s thoughts since the end of last season, but they have had very limited flexibility in their transfer budget or wage bill.
Paying Asensio’s wages at the age of 29 would be a risk, but if Villa were to pursue a move, it would be with the knowledge that they could afford to bring him back.
The Telegraph claim that Villa are exploring the conditions of a possible permanent or loan deal to sign the Spaniard again.
Villa’s president of football operations Monchi spoke about the possibility of signing Asensio to Spanish podcast El Pelotazo back in June.
“Marco Asensio hasn’t lost his talent - he’s given us a lot, and he’s in our best interest,” he said.
Samuel Iling-Junior
Samuel Iling-Junior (Image: Getty Images)
Samuel Iling-Junior loan
Samuel Iling-Junior would add useful depth, with the ability to cover left-back and both wings. The question, though, is whether that suits his development at this stage.
The 21-year-old shone under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough in the second half of last season, following a quieter loan spell at Bologna. With his 22nd birthday approaching in October, he now needs consistent game time to continue progressing.
A Championship loan could provide the best opportunity.
Zepiqueno Redmond decision
Villa’s first signing of the summer, Zepiqueno Redmond, arrived on a free transfer from Feyenoord on July 1.
The 19-year-old is unlikely to feature in Emery’s first-team plans this season and is expected to either play in Premier League 2 or head out on loan.
Despite his age, Redmond already boasts valuable experience. He made nine senior appearances for Feyenoord last season, including his Eredivisie debut in November against Almere City, and played in the Champions League against both AC Milan and Inter at San Siro.