Kyle Walker has praised Aston Villa over a signing they look set to make to kick off a busy summer transfer window.
Unai Emery is preparing the Villains for a return to the Champions League for the first time since 1982-83.
Aston Villa will need added depth and quality as they bid to compete with Europe’s elite, while also aiming to build on a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Villa are already making moves on that front as they have been heavily linked with a move for Luton Town’s Ross Barkley.
It would see Barkley return to Villa Park after a loan spell in the Midlands during the 2020-21 campaign.
The Villains have reportedly offered the Englishman a contract off the back of an impressive campaign at Kenilworth Road.
And should Barkley opt for a switch back to Villa, Kyle Walker would certainly be a fan of the move.
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What Walker has said about Ross Barkley and Aston Villa
Speaking on the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast, the Manchester City star heaped praise on Barkley, as well as a host of Villa players.
“Ross Barkley is incredible,” Walker said. “I think you have to take your hat off to the likes of Aston Villa, Ez Konsa is playing for England now, Ollie Watkins is scoring goals for fun, you have Bailey, a great keeper who has gone and won the World Cup.
“You have Douglas Luiz, who I played with at City, so they have good players but I think it’s probably helped them that they have been under the radar so they can go out and play.”
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Barkley signing would be astute for Villa
With Villa bidding to stay on the right side of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), a move for Barkley makes plenty of sense for Emery.
The 30-year-old starred for Luton last season and earned praise from former Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas, who labelled the midfielder a ‘machine’.
Despite Luton’s eventual relegation, Barkley was among the standout holding midfielders in the Premier League.
The former Everton man netted five times and provided six assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.
Villa are fairly set in terms of their midfield, with John McGinn and Douglas Luiz forming an excellent partnership in the middle of the park.
But as they bid to compete in Europe and domestically next season, adding a player of Barkley’s quality on a free transfer feels like a no-brainer.