Unai Emery has come out to demand investment from Aston Villa owners in the squad. In simpler words, he has asked for transfers to come in January.
The Spaniard has taken the Birmingham-based club into the top four of the Premier League in just two-and-a-half seasons. In that time, he has also made them very competitive in Europe, such that they are favourites to win this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League title.
However, in their last Premier League outing, they led Manchester United by two goals at halftime only for them to capitulate and lose the game 3 – 2. Before then, they dropped two unnecessary points when they faced Sheffield United at Villa Park. This made Emery put out a public call for signings to the ownership of the club.
The January transfer window is close and Villa are already being targeted for a few of their players. They will face an uphill battle to keep Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz until the end of the season. They also have clubs targeting Ollie Watkins and scouts watching Jacob Ramsey.
Villa also have targets of their own including a former Premier League striker who now plays in the German Bundesliga. Below is the latest news on Aston Villa’s transfer intentions with Emery’s call ringing loudly in the ears of the club’s owners.
Timo Werner to Aston Villa?
Timo Werner had a turbulent time in the Premier League with Chelsea until he returned to Germany in the 2022/23 season. He managed to score a few important goals but his time at the club was not entirely pleasant. However, Villa are willing to offer him a redemption arc in the Premier League by signing him on loan in January.
Werner has struggled for playing time in Leipzig this season thanks to the brilliance of Loïs Openda. He has only played 14 games for the German club and has started only four of those games. Having his redemption in the Premier League could help his cause as the 2024 Euros draw closer.
Emery interested in Leeds star Crysencio Summerville
Reports claim that Unai Emery is in personal contact with Crysencio Summerville over a move in January. Leeds is currently on the up and in line for a return to the Premier League due to players like Summerville.
The 22-year-old Dutchman has scored 11 goals and provided six assists for the Lilywhites this season. Emery wants him to strengthen Villa’s attack as they continue to fight to remain in the top four and seal UEFA Champions League football next season.
Summerville, who is versatile enough to play all across the attack and even as a supporting striker/number 8 could cost them around €10 million.
Villa considering options to keep Clement Lenglet
Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet has impressed Unai Emery in his loan stint at the club. He was pivotal to their going ahead at Manchester United in their last game.
He is going to cost the club a little over €15 million, which they are not willing to spend seeing as the club’s ownership only has a war chest of €50 – €60 million to give Emery for January transfers according to reports.
Hence, Villa are studying options to make his loan deal permanent in the coming window.
