Aston Villa transfer state of play: 6 players who could leave and 4 target areas amid Unai Emery ‘request’

The January transfer window has now officially swung open, meaning Aston Villa and all other 19 teams in the Premier League have the opportunity to bolster their squads with new signings. Transfer speculation is already rife, too, with numerous names linked and potential departures touted.

Unai Emery's side have a particular incentive to delve into the market after making a remarkable start to the 2023/24 season. Thrusting themselves firmly into the Premier League title race, as well as progressing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, the Villans will be keen to add squad depth to achieve success in as many competitions as possible.

The Premier League is the focus with Villa currently second, three points behind leaders Liverpool. Manchester City are two points below Emery's side but with a game in hand, while Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are hot on the Citizens' tails. Villa already have an excellent squad, of course, but new additions are needed to ensure they can finish the season as strongly as their rivals.

Unai Emery makes transfer 'request'

Although signings are the obvious route to improvement, Emery believes the current crop have the potential to provide what he needs if January bears no fruit. The head coach explained at the end of December that his request is for only necessary moves to be made in the transfer window. In other words, Villa will probably complete deals but tread carefully in doing so.

"In January we are speaking about the possibility but last year was similar, it is not an easy window," Emery said after the 3-2 win over Burnley on December 30. "Last year for example we were thinking about a lot of things in January but the most important thing we did was to reduce the numbers of the squad.

"I want to increase the level in our squad with our current players. Some are doing it, some are getting better, some are playing less but I believe in every player in this squad. Of course, if we can improve our squad in any position with one player to increase our level we are going to do it," Emery explained.

Six players could leave Villa in January

Half a dozen players are at risk of being shown the exit door this month. Jhon Duran, who is probably the most significant of these, has been linked with a move away to either Inter Milan or AC Milan following an alleged falling out with Emery. The Colombian started the FA Cup win at Middlesbrough but has seen a reduction in game time recently.

Fellow attacker Bertrand Traore could be on the chopping block, too, as he has only made two Premier League appearances this campaign. Villa are growing increasingly frustrated by the winger's injury record, especially as he's usually back fit for international duty but then returns with fresh issues. This has happened more than once.

Defensive duo Kortney Hause and Calum Chambers could go this winter as they aren't part of Emery's plans. Hause still has 18 months left on his contract but is unlikely to play for the club again, while Chambers has started just one Premier League fixture since October 2022.

Tim Iroegbunam is another who faces an uncertain future in B6. The midfielder, who has struggled with injuries during his young career, is likely to leave on a permanent deal with a buy-back clause – just like Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene and Aaron Ramsey did in the summer.

Finally, utility option Leander Dendoncker has failed to impress and will be allowed to leave if suitable terms are offered. It has become clear Emery isn't overly confident in the Belgian's quality as starts have been a rarity – even when Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz faced their respective suspensions.

Four areas Villa are looking to strengthen

Goalkeeper and right-back are two obvious positions for the Villans to reinforce as Robin Olsen is struggling as Emiliano Martinez's understudy and Matty Cash isn't fully trusted. As much of a shame as it is, Cash has become a bit of a weak link in this Villa squad as his defensive frailties have been exposed frequently.

There aren't any concrete links to men between the sticks but Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has become a clear target. Football Insider reports Villa are readying to trigger the 23-year-old's £35 million release clause, though that opportunity won't open until the summer transfer window.

Emery is seemingly keen on improving his attacking options, too, with the likes of Cyril Ngonge, Felipe Anderson, Crysencio Summerville and Jonathan David all linked since the start of the month. Duran's potential departure would only exemplify this need further.

Last but not least, the Villans are aiming to add depth in central midfield, to cover Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara if injuries or suspensions arise. Celtic star Matt O'Riley, who is valued at around £25 million, has been one name touted, while Genoa ace Morten Frendrup has been watched by scouts.