Aston Villa's summer transfer window has been busy, but manager Unai Emery still has four key areas to address before the deadline. After securing Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi, the club faces gaps in defence, midfield and attack.
Three arrivals and key departures
Villa hijacked Newcastle United's move for Manzambi in a club-record £52 million deal. This followed Manchester United activating Youri Tielemans' £35 million release clause. Lucas Digne is set to join Paris Saint-Germain after they triggered his release clause, while Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea for a British record £117 million. Gomes arrived as Tielemans' replacement for £35 million, and Garnacho joined on loan from Chelsea with a conditional obligation to buy worth around £43 million.
Positions needing reinforcement
With Digne leaving and Andres Garcia already departed, Villa need a new left-back and right-back. Amadou Onana's ACL injury suffered at the World Cup creates a midfield vacancy, unless Lamare Bogarde steps up. However, Bogarde's future is uncertain amid interest from other clubs. Villa have held talks with Bayern Munich over a loan for Joao Palhinha and have been linked to Everton's James Garner, who can play midfield and right-back.
Attacking depth concerns
Despite Garnacho's arrival, Villa lack depth in the three attacking positions behind the striker. Currently, only Garnacho, John McGinn, Manzambi and Emi Buendia are guaranteed options. Tielemans could also play as a number 10, a role Gomes has not yet mastered. One injury or suspension could leave Villa short. Garnacho's loan from Chelsea may also prevent him from playing against his parent club in two Premier League matches.
Youngsters Evann Guessand and Alysson are alternatives, but both face uncertain futures. Guessand struggled in his first Premier League season with Villa and Crystal Palace, despite winning Europa League and Conference League winners' medals. Palace opted not to sign him permanently. Alysson may benefit from a loan move rather than limited game time.
Further sales possible
Villa are open to selling fringe players like Leon Bailey, Kosta Nedeljkovic and Samuel Iling-Junior. While the club wants to keep Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, substantial offers could be considered as player sales are part of the strategy to remain competitive.
