Aston Villa have now offered someone Cesc Fabregas once called a “machine” a contract until 2027.
The Villans have made some wise moves in the market ever since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard, bringing the likes of Pau Torres, Jhon Duran, Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans to Villa Park.
These additions – and the existing bunch – have helped Aston Villa into the UEFA Champions League, and now, Monchi is trying to pull off another shrewd piece of recruitment in the Midlands…
Aston Villa offer Ross Barkley a contract
As the Premier League begin to enforce their Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) – deducting points from Everton and Nottingham Forest for financial breaches last season – Aston Villa have to be alert to market opportunities.
Monchi thankfully seems to be exactly that, as Aston Villa target a bargain deal to bring Ross Barkley back to Villa Park.
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Emery is pushing to sign the England international, as his “quality and experience” are considered attractive by the Spaniard and those on the recruitment team, with talks currently taking place.
Alan Nixon has since advanced the story, claiming that these negotiations have now resulted in Barkley being offered a three-year contract running until the summer of 2027 on his Patreon.
It is also said that Manchester United were keen, but the new regime under INEOS are yet to present a contract offer amid uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future.
The Luton Town No.6 is not a free agent – so he will cost a transfer fee – although the Guardian believe he will be allowed to leave Kenilworth Road for a “modest” sum following relegation to the Championship.
Nixon believes this fee is “low” and effectively just covers the wages Luton Town paid Barkley to play for them last season.
Barkley – who Fabregas once called a “machine” – reminded everybody of his class across 30 starts in the Premier League last season, where he scored five goals and also provided four assists for the Hatters.
Smart business
Not only does Barkley already possess UEFA Champions League experience – having made six appearances in the competition with Chelsea – but he also has previous when it comes to playing for Aston Villa.
The 30-year-old spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Villa Park, so the fact he is open to coming back would suggest the Liverpudlian has no qualms about settling down again in the Midlands.
READ MORE: What Eden Hazard once said about Aston Villa target Ross Barkley
Aside from off-field matters, Barkley proved he is still a quality footballer last season, scoring against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, so he should offer fine midfield depth alongside the likes of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara and Tielemans.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the England international could soon put pen to paper on the contract proposed by Aston Villa.