Aston Villa shortlist £24m-rated winger as ‘top target’, Unai Emery set to offload duo

Aston Villa have gotten their summer transfer window off to a strong start after securing the services of Youri Tielemans from Leicester. Unai Emery is looking to build on his strong finish to the 2022/23 season by bringing in some new personnel which will hopefully help his team push for top four.

The Spanish boss has been backed by the club’s ambitious board as they enter what promises to be an exciting transfer window across the Premier League. Here are the latest updates for Villa as they continue their pursuit on the summer market.

£24m-rated winger becomes ‘top target’ for Villa

Villa have set their sights on signing Napoli’s Hirving Lozano this summer, who is entering the final 12 months of his current contract with the Italian outfit. According to Football Insider, the 27-year-old has been ‘shortlisted as a top target’ for Emery, who is hoping to bring in new attacking options.

Lozano has contributed 30 goals and 17 assists for Napoli since he joined from PSV in 2019. His price tag hasn’t been reported but Transfermarkt currently value him at €28 million (£24m).

Villa duo set for summer exit

Emery has identified Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson as surplus to his team and will be looking to move them both on this transfer window, according to The Athletic. The duo spent last season out on loan at Luton Town and RC Strasbourg respectively as they have found themselves out of favour at Villa Park.

With plenty of names linked with a move to B6 this summer, Villa will need to free up as many players as they can, without depleting squad depth, in order to gather up important funds.

Christian Purslow steps down

Villa have announced that Christian Purslow has stepped down from his role as CEO and director after five seasons. In his parting statement, he thanked the club and its fans and addressed the growth of Aston Villa since his arrival.

“It has been a total privilege to lead Villa for the last five years. I am proud that I leave the Club in a much better position on and off the pitch than when I arrived. We are re-established in the Premier League; we now have a very competitive professional Women’s team; we have outstanding Academies for boys and girls; we have created a world class training ground and secured planning permission for an expansion and modernisation of our wonderful stadium.”