Aston Villa continue to navigate the crucial summer transfer window, with Unai Emery and the club’s recruitment team working on a number of key priorities ahead of the new season.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Villa in recent weeks has been Morgan Rodgers’ future, which could be key as the Villans look to circumvent the PSR restrictions and reinvest his potential transfer fee.
The England international has attracted interest from several major clubs following an impressive season.
Arsenal have been linked with the attacker, with reports suggesting the Gunners are preparing to step up their pursuit.
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Chelsea, Man City and Real Madrid have also been linked with Rodgers as speculation continues over his future.
Villa are certainly aware that any significant departure requires advance planning, which has led to them linking up with several potential replacements in the attacking line.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen is one of the names reportedly praised by those in the Villa hierarchy, with recent reports suggesting Emery sees Bowen as a player who could strengthen his squad if given the opportunity.
Aston Villa confident Emery can agree ‘lucrative’ contract with West Ham star
The Villains are in pole position.
Elsewhere, Villa continue to look for reinforcements in midfield.
Croatian international Martin Baturina remains a player regularly linked with the club, but reports in Italy and Croatia suggest Villa remain interested after previous offers were rejected.
The midfielder further boosted his reputation by finding the back of the net against England during the World Cup.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper recruitment also features heavily in Villa’s plans.
Emiliano Martínez continues to be linked with a possible departure, with speculation rife over potential replacements, with Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro emerging as one of the candidates.
Reports from Spain suggest Villa are one of the clubs most interested in the experienced shot-stopper, while defensive reinforcements have also been discussed over the summer so far.
Lloyd Kelly remains a favorite to return to the Premier League, with Villa, along with Newcastle United, also mentioned in reports regarding the former Bournemouth defender.
The club’s reinforcements have been active across multiple areas of the squad and are now thought to also want a right-back.
Aston Villa are in contract talks with Flamengo right-back Emerson Royal
Aston Villa have begun contract negotiations with Flamengo defender Emerson Royal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Brazilian right-back is being looked at as a player who can provide competitiveness and cover for Matty Cash.
Romano reported that there has already been contact with Flamengo and talks are ongoing as Villa explore the possibility of the defender returning to English football.
An agreement between the two clubs has not yet been reported, but ESPN Brazil claims Emery’s side have made an offer of £8m.
Emerson is well versed in European football.
The defender came up through the ranks in Brazil and his performances eventually earned him a move to Barcelona early in his career.
His time at Camp Nou was relatively short, making just three appearances for the Catalan, but it earned him a move to Tottenham, where he spent several seasons in the Premier League.
During his time in north London, Emerson made over 100 appearances in all competitions and became a regular in the team under several managers.
After leaving Spurs, the defender moved to AC Milan, with Ange Postecoglou praising the ‘super’ defender’s attitude and work rate during training.
His stay in Serie A proved to be relatively short-lived until he eventually returned to Brazil, after which Flamengo signed a deal that brought him back to South America.
Emerson could now return to the Premier League under manager Emery.
Aston Villa confident Emery can agree ‘lucrative’ contract with West Ham star
The Villains are in pole position.
