Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has reportedly identified his priority summer transfer targets as he could be handed an increased budget ahead of next season.
Villa’s triumphant campaign in the Europa League, coupled with qualification for the Champions League, has impressed joint owner Nassef Sawiris. The Egyptian billionaire is reportedly willing to back the Spanish manager as he looks to strengthen and rebuild the squad.
Emery believes he can help Aston Villa compete more consistently with the big six and at least close the gap on those Premier League elites. According to a report in The Mirror, the Spaniard is set to receive a financial boost.
“Unai Emery will be rewarded for Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph with an improved transfer budget of up to £100m.”
Emery and Sawiris are reportedly expected to hold talks soon to discuss the club’s transfer plans. The former Villarreal and Sevilla manager appears to have already identified several priority names in his squad overhaul. So, who are the leading names on Aston Villa’s transfer shortlist?
The first two names linked by the media are proven and versatile figures in their respective positions. The first is Fulham’s Harry Wilson. The former Liverpool man is available this summer as a free agent, with no intention of extending his contract at Craven Cottage.
Wilson’s versatility is exactly the kind of quality Emery values, adding depth and flexibility to the squad. Villa could also be a more attractive destination for him, especially with Champions League football on offer compared to another potential suitor, Everton.
The second name is Celta Vigo midfielder Ilaix Moriba. The Guinean international is another versatile option who has become a key figure for his current side as they progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals and enjoyed a strong domestic campaign.
What’s more, Moriba is reportedly available for around £26 million, a fee that would be considered affordable for Villa. For a player of his quality, such a price tag could make him a bargain in the market. However, Villa will have to be in a tussle with Brighton, FC Porto and Real Sociedad. Nevertheless, Villa seems to be the ideal option for the RB Leipzig loanee.
The third name is perhaps the most surprising. It is 20-year-old winger Jesus Rodriguez, who is currently playing for Serie A side Como, a club that has recently emerged as a dark horse in Italian football.
The Spanish youngster has impressed in his first season there. He has featured in 35 matches, contributing three goals and nine assists in all competitions. The former Real Betis man is capable of operating on either wing.
Based on data from FotMob, Rodriguez has stood out in attacking areas, posting 3.91 xG (expected goals) and 3.97 xA (expected assists). His successful dribble rate stands at 41.7 per cent, while he has won 54.2 per cent of his aerial duels. The winger, who recently earned his senior international debut, appears strongest in attacking contribution, though his defensive output remains limited, with only 24 tackles and five interceptions this season.
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