Aston Villa continue to be linked with several players across Europe as they prepare for a season competing in both the Premier League and Champions League. With the transfer window opening on Monday, June 15, manager Unai Emery is keen to strengthen his squad in multiple positions.
Midfielder Link
Last month, Villa reportedly made an enquiry about RB Leipzig midfielder Eljif Elmas. The 26-year-old North Macedonia international spent four-and-a-half seasons at Napoli before moving to RB Leipzig in January 2024 for a reported €23 million, signing a contract until 2029. However, after a loan spell at Torino, where the option to buy was not exercised, he returned to Napoli on loan in September with a €17 million purchase option. Elmas played 44 times for Antonio Conte's side as they finished runners-up in Serie A. Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb claims Napoli consider the option too high and offered €10-11 million, which RB Leipzig rejected. With no future at Leipzig, Elmas is seeking a new club, and TMW suggests Villa is the most attractive option, though no formal approach has been made.
Concrete Interest
Villa's interest in Roma winger Matías Soulé has been widely reported, with some Italian outlets even suggesting contact has been made. Now, Roma teammate Manu Koné has also been linked. Dajeromatv claims Villa have a concrete interest in both players. The report highlights Roma's need to generate funds by June 30 to meet UEFA financial regulations, although Roma's Champions League qualification provides some offset. Emery is said to highly appreciate Koné's qualities, considering him one of the most promising midfield prospects in Europe. The 25-year-old Frenchman came through Toulouse before spending four years at Borussia Mönchengladbach and moving to Roma for €18 million in August 2022, signing a five-year contract. He has made 82 appearances for Roma, including 37 last season, helping them reach the Europa League knockout stages and finish third in Serie A. The report concludes that coach Gian Piero Gasperini would like to keep both Soulé and Koné but the club is open to any scenario.
Roony Bardghji
In Spain, Villa have made checks on Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji, according to TEAMtalk. The Spanish champions are willing to let the 20-year-old leave this summer, potentially on loan or permanently. Several Premier League clubs are interested, notably Leeds United, who have a long-standing interest. Bardghji was born in Kuwait, played youth football in Sweden, and made his professional debut at FC Copenhagen at just 16 years and six days. He played 84 senior games for Copenhagen, building a reputation as a rising star, prompting Barcelona to sign him last summer. He initially played for Barcelona B before making his La Liga debut in September and Champions League debut the following month. Despite being in the first-team squad, he made only seven league starts and one Champions League start due to intense competition. Along with Leeds, Villa, Sunderland, Brighton, Brentford, and Everton are monitoring developments. Bardghji is an out-and-out right winger, a position Emery may look to strengthen as Alysson builds form and fitness.
