Aston Villa are approaching the transfer deadline with several major deals still in play and little room for hesitation.
Unai Emery’s squad could look dramatically different in the next few days as the club work on potential arrivals while also managing uncertainty around two of their most established players.
Emiliano Martínez appears closer to the exit door following the £30 million arrival of Zion Suzuki.
Chelsea have opened discussions with the Argentine’s representatives after being offered the goalkeeper, who is understood to want a fresh challenge.
|
Emiliano Martínez’s career stats for Aston Villa |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Competition |
Appearances |
Goals conceded |
Clean sheets |
Yellow cards |
Red cards |
Minutes |
|
Premier League |
213 |
264 |
61 |
23 |
1 |
18,845 |
|
Champions League |
12 |
12 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1,080 |
|
Europa League |
11 |
7 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
990 |
|
Conference League |
9 |
10 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
840 |
|
Conference League qualifying |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
45 |
|
FA Cup |
9 |
11 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
765 |
|
League Cup |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
90 |
|
Total |
256 |
305 |
80 |
26 |
1 |
22,655 |
Juventus previously explored a deal before moving in another direction, and Martinez was left out of Villa’s opening defeat against Brighton.
The situation surrounding Ollie Watkins is just as important. Al Hilal remain interested after having an initial proposal rejected, although the striker has returned to training after missing the Brighton game.
Villa’s search for another forward has consequently gathered pace.
Talks with Chelsea over Nicolas Jackson have moved forward, with the London club seeking around £65 million. Villa are attempting to negotiate a payment structure that would make such a substantial deal more manageable.
There has been movement in defence as well.
Villa had made progress on an agreement for Club Brugge centre back Joel Ordonez, with a loan containing an obligation to buy under discussion.
However, Crystal Palace have now moved to sensationally hijack their deal for the Ecuadorian, leaving Emery’s side to re-enter the market for Ezri Konsa replacements.
The latest twist concerns Rafael Leão.
Jorge Mendes ‘pushing hard’ for Rafael Leão to join Aston Villa
Italian journalist Antonio Vitiello reports that Aston Villa and Galatasaray are the only two sides competing for the AC Milan attacker.Super agent Jorge Mendes, though, is said to be ‘pushing hard’ for Leao to make a Premier League move instead of joining the Turkish champions.
Villa have already approached Milan and their interest is considered serious. Leao is believed to be open to leaving Italy, although there is still plenty of work required before any transfer can be regarded as close.
Sky Sports reports that contact has taken place between the clubs.
Galatasaray present genuine competition, as they’ve been working on the player’s side of the deal, but their approach to Milan has so far fallen short.
The Italian club reportedly value Leao at around £52 million, although a package containing around £43 million plus achievable bonuses could be considered too.
Sky Italia says Milan have already rejected a lower offer from Galatasaray.
Leao would give Emery something Villa badly need after losing attacking quality this summer. He can receive the ball on the left, beat defenders and his pace would also make Villa far more dangerous when breaking from their own half.
The Portuguese could operate alongside a new central striker such as Jackson, giving Emery a powerful and unpredictable front line.
The cost will be considerable, particularly when wages are included.
Yet with Mendes pushing the Premier League option and Villa searching for a statement arrival, this is still a situation worth watching closely.