‘The feeling’ - Unai Emery has already shared verdict as Aston Villa transfer draws near

Unai Emery talked up Ross Barkley before Aston Villa's Premier League trip to Luton Town in March.Unai Emery talked up Ross Barkley before Aston Villa's Premier League trip to Luton Town in March.
Unai Emery talked up Ross Barkley before Aston Villa's Premier League trip to Luton Town in March. | Getty Images
Unai Emery has previously talked up Luton Town’s star man Ross Barkley and now the midfielder is set to join Aston Villa in a bargain deal.

The Villans are closing in on the acquisition of Barkley to kick-start what promises to be a busy summer of transfer business. Qualifying for the Champions League brings about new challenges and fresh expectations, meaning Emery must bolster key areas of his squad.

Boubacar Kamara’s serious knee injury in February caused many a selection headache as the likes of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans had to step into the double pivot. Emery would’ve preferred to have utilised those particular players wide or further forward.

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Barkley’s imminent arrival will solve that particular issue as the former Chelsea man can provide competition for Douglas Luiz and free McGinn and Tielemans to roam. Emery could even switch the trio around, giving Barkley license to break into advanced areas.

A graduate of Everton’s academy at Finch Farm, the 33-time England international has played for Villa in the past – on loan from Chelsea during the 2020/21 campaign. Barkley scored three goals and made one assist in 24 appearances during his first spell.

Emery has already praised Barkley

Due to Luton’s relegation to the Championship, Villa will hardly have to pay a penny to re-sign Barkley. Emery will be delighted as the head coach pinpointed the 30-year-old as a target. He also spoke very highly of the player earlier in the season before Villa faced Luton.

Unai Emery talked up Ross Barkley before Aston Villa's Premier League trip to Luton Town in March.Unai Emery talked up Ross Barkley before Aston Villa's Premier League trip to Luton Town in March.
Unai Emery talked up Ross Barkley before Aston Villa's Premier League trip to Luton Town in March. | Getty Images

“He’s playing very well. They are in a very good moment – not only Barkley. They are feeling confident and playing feeling strong," Emery said before the Villans’ 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road at the beginning of March.

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“Maybe they haven’t had good results because they didn’t win in their last matches but they are playing very well. I appreciate a lot how they are playing – very aggressive, man-to-man, playing in combinations. Barkley is in a very good moment,” Emery continued.

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