Aston Villa are closing in on their first official signing of the summer, as agreement has now been reached for a midfield target.
Manager Unai Emery is keen to bolster his squad ahead of a Champions League campaign and is looking to add both depth and quality.
This has been hampered somewhat by the fact the club need to make sales ahead of the 30th June Premier League PSR deadline, with Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran expected to join Tim Iroegbunam out the exit door.
However, should Aston Villa raise the funds to comply with PSR ahead of the deadline, they can start to turn their attention to new signings ahead of a huge season.
It looks as though they are set to do just that, with a £5 million deal for a player that spent a season on loan at Villa Park in 2020/21.
Ross Barkley set to sign for Aston Villa
That player is Ross Barkley, who has given the green light for a move to Aston Villa; this time on a permanent deal.
Barkley has enjoyed a career revival at Luton Town, having been left in career wilderness after being released after a solitary season at French club Nice.
Despite Luton’s relegation, Barkley was impressive as he demonstrated his talents in a deeper role than we have been accustomed to seeing the 30-year-old perform, with many feeling he had a strong claim for a place in England’s Euros squad.
That form has also seen Villa act to try and secure Barkley’s signing and the latest update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggests a deal is close.
Romano posted on ‘X’: ‘Aston Villa are prepared to enter into formal stages of Ross Barkley deal after agreement with Luton Town.
Fee around £5m, contract details already agreed and now waiting on medical.
Here we go, soon.’
Barkley arrival good business from Aston Villa
Whilst Barkley’s imminent arrival may not get Villa fans too excited, it represents astute business.
With Luiz’ departure likely, Barkley has demonstrated he can play a similar role to the Brazilian but he can also operate further forward as he did earlier in his career.
£5 million is a bargain in today’s market and Barkley brings with him a wealth of experience of European football and a calmness that will stand the side in good stead for the season ahead.
He will also not be the only addition in midfield, so Villa fans should not be concerned that this signing means they will not get a more high-profile signing to improve the side in the centre of the pitch.
In 32 appearances for Luton in the Premier League last season Barkley scored five and provided four assists despite his deeper role and looked a cut above his teammates at times.
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