Aston Villa are reportedly hoping to seal the deal for one high-profile target who could help Unai Emery solve a big problem.
As the 2023/24 season closed, Unai Emery and Monchi would have swiftly turned their attention to the summer transfer window.
For all of Aston Villa’s success over the campaign, there is a lot of work to be done in the market to ensure that the squad continues their progression beyond their fourth-place finish last term.
Despite PSR concerns, the duo will be eager to bolster the squad in preparation for next season’s Champions League, with one target identified as a player that could significantly strengthen the quality available to Emery.
Aston Villa could sign Conor Gallagher this summer
This week, the Independent reported that Villa are hoping to take advantage of Chelsea’s need for profit in a bid to sign midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.
Earlier this year, it was speculated that the Englishman could be available for a fee of around £50m, meaning that the Villans would likely have to sell a player to purchase him due to their own PSR worries.
The Independent’s report claims that despite concerns about financial restrictions, the Midlands club ‘hope’ to get a deal done due to the manager’s admiration of the England international.
It’s noted that Villa’s interest in Gallagher is ‘strong’ due to Emery’s belief that the midfielder could be a strong candidate to ‘suit’ the squad’s approach to play, which could make the deal interesting.
Conor Gallagher could help Unai Emery fix a big tactical issue at Aston Villa
While Villa’s 2023/24 campaign must be celebrated thanks to the remarkable work of the manager, there were some notable frailties, including one tactical approach that the boss favours.
Speaking on the Claret and Blue podcast, tactical analyst Jon MacKenzie pointed out that Villa’s approach to lure the press and capitalise with a pass into the central areas is causing more problems than good.
The Athletic analyst focused on the Villans’ lack of defensive midfielder cover being the weak point in Villa’s desire to play such a way, saying:
“Sometimes the two central midfielders are a little bit slow getting back into the line. I do think there are some tactical issues that are in play around why the defensive numbers have got a little worse.”
In signing a player such as Gallagher, who has mastered the defensive edge to his game, making more tackles than any Villa player in the 2023/24 Premier League (85), Emery could have the freedom to play how he wants with less risk.
The loss of Boubacar Kamara left the boss’ midfield without an anchor to rely on in defensive scenarios, a void that the Chelsea ace could fill, as well as bringing an impeccably rounded style of play.
Lauded as ‘priceless’ by former Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino, Emery could get his hands on the ideal midfielder to strengthen his squad this summer, in what would be a statement capture for the Villans.
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