Unai Emery details four Aston Villa requests upon opening of summer transfer window

The summer transfer window is now officially open and Aston Villa are getting set for a spending spree, making for a busy few months ahead.

Unai Emery has the full backing of owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens to make plenty of new additions, though not every position will be strengthened.

The former Arsenal boss has set sights on a few priority areas but wants to add squad depth for additional spots, planning for the Europa Conference League.

It’s public knowledge that having European fixtures makes the calendar incredibly congested and Emery knows this all too well from his prior experience.

Villa’s head coach will be heavily involved in the recruitment process, which is expected to begin when a director of football is appointed.

Where do Aston Villa’s priorities lie?

As reported recently by The Athletic, Villa have eyed the central midfield, winger and striker positions as areas to strengthen.

Emery wants a couple of forwards with different characteristics, while the midfield will need to be bolstered with players departing.

Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson are expected to leave the club permanently in the summer, following loan spells at Luton Town and Strasbourg.

Youri Tielemans has already agreed to sign for Villa, so that’s one addition sorted, but another is likely to follow to offer further competition.

Meanwhile, the striker spot is light following Danny Ings’ £15 million move to West Ham United. Ideally, a winger who can also play as a striker will come in.

In addition, there’s been plenty of speculation about Lucas Digne potentially moving on, meaning the Villans will need to sign a new left-back to fill that void.

That player will need to be someone with a good balance of defensive and attacking attributes, as Emery has admitted he favours his left full-back as the one to get forward.

Who has been linked to Villa so far?

Two attackers - Marco Asensio and Kang-In Lee - seemed to be close to making moves but Paris Saint-Germain have since spoiled the party.

The French giants have already completed the signing of Asensio, whereas Kang-In Lee has had his medical and agreed personal terms.

Sporting CP forward Pedro Gonçalves has been mentioned as an alternative target and as has Leicester City ace Harvey Barnes.

Despite the fact central defence isn’t outlined as an area of priority, it’s still likely someone will be signed to add depth to that position.

So far, Pau Torres of Villarreal, Harry Maguire of Man United and Aymeric Laporte of Man City have been the most heavily linked, with an approach made for the former.

Other names speculated include James Ward-Prowse, Giovani Lo Celso, Tyler Adams and Kieran Tierney. Make sure to look out for updates, here, at Birmingham World.