Aston Villa are preparing for a significant January transfer window as manager Unai Emery looks to construct a formidable new squad capable of challenging for top honours.
Building from the back: Defensive reinforcements
Emi Martinez is expected to remain as the undisputed number one following his £17 million arrival from Arsenal in 2020. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper will continue to be protected by right-back Matty Cash, a £16 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest.
However, major changes could occur on the opposite flank. Villa are reportedly among several top clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal, tracking Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown. The highly-rated wing-back carries a substantial valuation of around £53 million according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
In central defence, Ezri Konsa remains a cornerstone following his masterful £12 million signing from Brentford in 2019. He could be partnered by Wilfried Singo from Galatasaray, a defender who only moved to Turkey for £26 million from AS Monaco but whose future is already uncertain.
Midfield mastery and attacking flair
The engine room could see a shrewd acquisition in Mateo Kovacic. Aston Villa are said to be admirers of the Manchester City midfielder, who could reportedly become available for a bargain fee of just £9 million according to reports from Italy.
He would likely partner club captain John McGinn, whose £2.75 million move from Hibernian in 2018 represents one of the club's best-ever value signings. The Scottish international has been instrumental in Villa's rise from Championship outfit to European competitors.
Further forward, significant investment is planned. Real Sociedad winger Takefuso Kubo is reportedly a target for approximately £26 million, providing additional quality and depth in attacking areas.
The most exciting potential arrival could be Real Madrid's Brazilian sensation Endrick, with Emery's side monitoring his situation alongside rivals Manchester United. The forward originally cost Real Madrid £52 million.
The established stars and dream line-up
Despite the potential new arrivals, key figures Morgan Rogers (£33 million) and Ollie Watkins (initial £8 million) are expected to retain their crucial roles in the starting eleven, assuming they remain at the club beyond January.
This ambitious recruitment drive follows Villa's heartbreaking conclusion to last season, where they missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day after defeat to Manchester United, consigning them to Europa League football instead.
If all these moves materialise, Emery's dream starting XI for the future could feature: Martinez; Cash, Singo, Konsa, Brown; Kovacic, McGinn; Kubo, Rogers, Endrick; Watkins - representing a potential £255 million investment in new talent alongside established stars.
