Aston Villa are expected to have a busy summer as they prepare for the Champions League next season.
The Villans exceeded all expectations under manager Unai Emery to finish fourth in the Premier League alongside a run to the Europa Conference League semi-final.
Aston Villa‘s relatively small squad was pushed to its limits and injuries and fatigue were rife in their final few games of the season.
With that in mind, recruits are needed this off-season, but Villa will have to be clever in the transfer market as they are in danger of breaching Premier League spending rules even with Champions League qualification.
The Athletic Aston Villa journalist Jacob Tanswell featured on the latest episode of the 1874 Youtube channel and spoke on the club’s summer plans.
Aston Villa likely to prioritise a centre-midfielder this summer
Villa are likely to look to offload the likes of Calum Chambers, Leander Dendoncker and Diego Carlos this summer to free up funds as well as space in the squad for new recruits.
Emery and president of football operations, Monchi, will be studying the market whilst identifying what areas of the current squad need improvement for a first campaign in Europe’s elite club competition since 1982/83.
Tanswell gave an indication of what to expect from the club, as he told Dan Bardell: “I think in terms of volume, it will be similar to last year really in terms of getting players that will strengthen the squad.”
“Emery is not interested in players that are just going to be there to make up the numbers…he’s there to improve the team”
The journalist went on to add what he believes the most pressing position will be, saying: “Centre midfield is key, that is one that will be a priority. Centre midfield is the area for me.”
Aston Villa linked with Ross Barkley
Villa were very light in central midfield towards the end of the season with Boubacar Kamara a long-term absentee and Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey also suffering injuries.
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn held the fort as Villa got across the line, but it is understandable that Tanswell feels Emery will want more options in the centre of the pitch ahead of next season.
One player that has been linked is Ross Barkley.
The midfielder has revived his career this season at Luton Town and was a shining light as Rob Edward’s side suffered relegation.
The 30-year-old previously spent a season on loan at Villa Park in the 2020/21 campaign but saw his temporary stay stifled by injuries.
With Barkley reinventing himself as a number ‘6’ at Luton, he could play the same role in Emery’s midfield and his Champions League experience could be invaluable as Villa attempt to tackle Europe’s best clubs.
Manchester United are also said to hold an interest in Barkley, but if he opts to join the Red Devils expect Villa to quickly turn their attention to other midfield targets.
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