Aston Villa transfer window state of play: Two midfielders in while one could depart

Aston Villa have done some brilliant transfer business this month so far and Steven Gerrard is preparing to bring in some more new faces in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the West Midlands club face the challenge of holding onto one of their key men as interest grows.

Gerrard’s arrival has allowed Villa to attract some brilliant players this month and whatever happens before deadline day, they will be in a much better position than they were before the window opened.

Here’s the state of play as we close in on deadline day...

Ins

Villa have welcomed three signings so far this month.

Lucas Digne arrived from Everton for a reported fee of £27 million, while Philippe Coutinho excited fans by joining the club on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

Perhaps overshadowed by the duo is Robin Olsen, who signed on loan from AS Roma.

Meanwhile, the Premier League side have been heavily linked with a double swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma and Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur.

Birmingham Mail have claimed that a deal for the Serie A star is likely to go through this month, however the report states that Villa will have to continue their pursuit of Bissouma in the summer.

Outs

Gerrard has so far allowed five players to leave on loan in the current transfer window, with Anwar El Ghazi, Wesley, Keinan Davis, Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene-Bidace all moving temporarily.

Villa are yet to endure any permanent departures, however they could face a tug-of-war over Douglas Luiz.

Daily Express have reported that Arsenal are eyeing a move for the Brazilian, but with only a matter of days left untile deadline day it is unlikely Villa will be willing to part ways with the midfielder.

Areas of concern

Aston Villa have made some exceptional signings so far this window and will certainly do a good job at solidifying their defence.

However, their backline is still looking a little sparce with only three senior centre-backs on their books.

Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause have looked much more assured at the back since Gerrard’s arrival, but could still do with some more competition to bolster their squad depth.

The West Midlands club have been linked with a number of central defenders this month, including the likes of Joe Gomez and Connor Goldson, but they will have to act fast if they are to secure a signing in the coming days.

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