Aston Villa will hold contract talks with Brazil international this week, Emery tells Price

Aston Villa held talks to sign the Brazil international this week following a “surprising” development.

Aston Villa prepare for Tottenham after Nottingham Forest disappointment

Villa’s Europa League campaign suffered a blow in midweek with a heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest, but the result raises new questions at a crucial stage of the season.

With momentum stalled at the wrong time, attention is quickly shifting to Sunday’s Premier League match against Tottenham. This is a game that could shape both domestic ambitions and the overall mood heading into the final week.

Unai Emery’s side have shown resilience all season, but the loss to Forest exposed some familiar problems.

There were moments when we were in control, but we also lacked the cutting edge when it mattered most.

Villa will need a sharper edge against Tottenham, especially as the battle for the European places is still fierce and Spurs are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.

Not only results but also satisfactory performance are required.

Emery hinted at the weekend that Amadou Onana was a doubt for Tottenham, but confirmed the Spaniard will definitely not feature on Sunday.

The Belgian and Boubacar Kamara are Villa’s only absentees, with Ross Barkley and Alisson both available immediately after missing the trip to Forest.

While his focus remains on getting back on track on the pitch, his efforts off the pitch are already picking up pace.

Plans for the summer are progressing well and strengthening the midfield appears to be a priority.

Aston Villa hold contract talks with Galatasaray star Gabriel Sala

Villa are therefore set to pursue Gabriel Sala, with TUTTOmercatoWEB suggesting that talks have taken place over a possible transfer.

The Brazilian, who currently plays for Galatasaray, is in the spotlight after an excellent season in Türkiye.

Villa are believed to have been in contact with him in recent days to explore the terms of his contract, indicating they are serious about their intentions in the transfer window.

The club have been tracking Sala’s progress for some time and these initial talks suggest they are now stepping up their pursuit.

Sala, 26, has been a key player for Galatasaray this season.

He has played in 42 games across all competitions, contributing 11 goals and highlighting his influence in midfield. His ability to play multiple roles, either deeper or further forward, provides flexibility that suits Emery’s tactical approach and makes him even more appealing.

The former Norwich City star’s form was rewarded with a call-up to the Brazil national team in March, which the player himself described as a “big surprise”.

Galatasaray value the midfielder at around £26 million, a figure that reflects both his performances and the level of competition for his signature.

However, Villa are not expected to be daunted by that assessment, especially given their ambition to continue building a team that can compete on multiple fronts.

There is also strong interest from other regions.

Villa are likely to face a battle to finalize the deal, with multiple Premier League teams and clubs across Europe monitoring Salah’s situation.

This level of competition highlights how highly regarded he is after his performance this season.

His previous experience in English football with Norwich also reduces the risks associated with adaptations, which clubs often consider when making recruitment decisions.

Planning ahead will be key as Villa balance their European commitments with league goals. Identifying targets early allows clubs to act quickly once the window opens, especially in competitive markets.

Of course, nothing has been decided yet.

Initial talks are just the first step and much will depend on how negotiations unfold in the coming weeks. However, the intention is clear. Villa are looking to strengthen and Sara has caught their attention.