Aston Villa 'closing in' on sudden transfer as Unai Emery gives green light

Ross Barkley could seal a return to Villa, four years after joining on loan from Chelsea.Ross Barkley could seal a return to Villa, four years after joining on loan from Chelsea.
Ross Barkley could seal a return to Villa, four years after joining on loan from Chelsea. | Getty Images
Aston Villa are reportedly in advanced talks to sign former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley from Luton Town.

Unai Emery is keen to get some early business done in the summer transfer window, taking advantage of the recently relegated status of the Hatters by swooping for Barkley. It’s a very sudden move as the Premier League season only ended on Sunday but it could be too good of an opportunity to turn down.

Luton’s star player during their first campaign back in the English top flight, Barkley scored five and made four assists in 32 matches. At 30, the midfielder remains in his prime years - just about - and he boasts plenty of experience on both the international and continental stages. He’s also a former Villan as he spent a season on loan at Villa Park back in 2020.

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The Guardian reports Emery’s side are “closing” on a deal to re-sign Barkley as they look to bolster midfield depth ahead of next season’s campaign in the UEFA Champions League. It’s said the fee would be “modest”, making it a clever deal from Emery’s perspective.

Barkley, an academy product of Everton, has spent the last two seasons rebuilding his career after being released by Chelsea. The Blues signed the versatile playmaker for around £15 million back in 2017 but felt he was surplus to requirements at the end of his five-year contract.

Ross Barkley could seal a return to Villa, four years after joining on loan from Chelsea.Ross Barkley could seal a return to Villa, four years after joining on loan from Chelsea.
Ross Barkley could seal a return to Villa, four years after joining on loan from Chelsea. | Getty Images

It took a little while to get going again but a move to Nice in Ligue 1 revived Barkley’s form. He then earned a return to the Premier League with Luton on a free transfer. Now, entering the final years of his career, the Liverpool-born midfielder is set for a romantic return to the Champions League.

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