Aston Villa planning double transfer 'raid' on Premier League rivals facing relegation

Aston Villa are looking to compound Sheffield United’s misery, following their relegation from the Premier League. According to reports, the Villans are hoping to complete a transfer swoop on both Oliver Arblaster and former Villa man Cameron Archer.

According to TEAMtalk, the Villans have a buy-back clause of around £14 million in Archer’s contract at the Blades and this has now become active, following United’s relegation. The Blades return to the Championship was confirmed last weekend following their 5-1 loss at Newcastle United.

Arblaster, on the other hand, may not be so cheap - he is under contract at Bramall Lane until the summer of 2028. Additionally, they are not the only interested party as West Ham United have also been linked with a move for the player.

This season, Archer has scored four Premier League goals and has racked up a single assists over the course of 27 games - Arblaster, meanwhile, has made nine Premier League appearances but has not scored any goals or registered any assists as things stand. He captained the club, at aged 20, for the Blades’ recent trip to Manchester United - something that highlights his value to the club.

Where would Cameron Archer and Oliver Arblaster fit into Aston Villa’s squad?

With Ollie Watkins currently occupying the lone striker role in Villa’s team, Archer may find it difficult to get a noticeable sum of game time. His adaptability could play a factor - he can also play as a number ten or as a right winger - but Watkins is not going to be unseated from his position any time soon.

Despite this, Villa could allow Jhon Duran to leave Villa Park in the summer. Should the Colombian international leave the club, it would give Archer a brilliant opportunity to break into the first team.

Arblaster, meanwhile, may be more successful in earning a regular spot in the first team. Even still, he will need compete with the likes of John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey. It is difficult to see either of the two making an instant impact should the Villans opt to snap them up in the summer.