Unai Emery and Monchi are already putting plans in place ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, which will see UEFA Champions League football return to the Midlands.
There have been linked to individuals with extensive experience in Europe’s top club competition, such as Mario Hermoso, but the major topic at the moment is Ross Barkley’s prospective return to Aston Villa.
Fabrizio Romano has explained why the Villans made this transfer decision.
Why Aston Villa want Ross Barkley
This season at Luton Town, the England international demonstrated that he still has plenty of talent following a time of inactivity with Chelsea and OGC Nice.
Barkley impressed with five goals and four assists in 30 Premier League starts for the Hatters, including strikes against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
However, Romano has given some more specific reasons why Aston Villa want to reunite with the Liverpudlian, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Villa Park.
The respected Italian writer wrote: “Unai Emery is pushing to sign Ross Barkley because his quality and experience are considered interesting for Aston Villa next season.”
The 30-year-old’s contract with Luton Town has never been formally announced, although the Guardian believes it runs until the 2024/25 season.
Nonetheless, the Guardian reports that Aston Villa are close to signing Barkley on a permanent basis for a “modest” amount following the Hatters’ relegation.
As aforesaid, Barkley has already played for the Villans, so he shouldn’t need much time to settle in.
The Everton academy graduate scored two goals in his first two Premier League appearances for Aston Villa during that 2020/21 campaign, netting in the 7-2 win over Liverpool and a 1-0 victory over Leicester.
However, Barkley faded later in the season, netting only one more goal in 26 Premier League games to end with three in total.
Nonetheless, he appeared to be a far more well-rounded, mature midfielder at Kenilworth Road this season, and with a coach like Emery coaching him, this may be a good move.
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