Aston Villa eye Barcelona star amid Franck Kessie transfer blow

Aston Villa are back in action this weekend when they face in form top four rivals Arsenal at home.

It was a disappointing weekend for Steven Gerrard’s men following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham, though the mood remains upbeat on the whole.

Villa are still in the top half and that’s a fine turnaround given the disappointing start to the campaign and the departure of Dean Smith.

Whether Villa can secure a top half finish or not, Gerrard is likely to strengthen this season as he looks to put his own mark on the squad, and here we round up all the latest transfer rumours.

No Kessie

Villa are going to miss out on landing AC Milan star Franck Kessie this summer.

The Midlands club were said to be interested in snapping up the midfielder on a free transfer this summer, but it looks as thought they will now miss out.

ESPN are reporting that Kessie has agreed to join Barcelona at the end of his contract, snubbing plenty of Premier League interest.

Villa eye Barca star

Villa Park is being tipped as a possible destination for Barcelona goalkeeper Neto.

The former Valencia star has seen little action during his time at Camp Nou, largely sitting behind starting keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Villa and Everton are being linked by Sport, but it’s unlikely Gerrard will move for Neto unless Emiliano Martinez leaves the club this summer.

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