Unai Emery is preparing to enter the January transfer market as he aims to strengthen his Aston Villa squad for a sustained push towards the Champions League.
The Spanish manager, who replaced Steven Gerrard in 2022 and is under contract at Villa Park until June 2029, is expected to be active as the window opens, with several players already on the club's radar.
Villa's Primary Transfer Targets
At the top of the wishlist is Igor Thiago, the £35 million-rated Brentford striker. According to reports, Villa face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United for the Brazilian forward, who has impressed for the Bees this season.
Another key target is James Garner. The Everton midfielder is out of contract in June 2026, meaning the Toffees risk losing him for nothing. TalkSPORT suggests Aston Villa are keen, alongside Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, and could make a move in January to avoid a summer bidding war.
Emerging Talents on the Radar
Emery is also looking at younger prospects to build for the future. The club are said to be admirers of Nathan De Cat, a 17-year-old midfielder from Anderlecht. Standing at an imposing 6ft 4”, the teenager is viewed as a long-term project with significant potential.
From the academy of Real Madrid, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia is another name linked. Football Insider claims Villa are eyeing a swoop for the prospect, whose future at the Bernabeu appears uncertain.
Further Options to Bolster the Squad
The search for reinforcements extends across Europe. Adrian Bernabe, the former Manchester City and Barcelona youth now starring at Parma, has been tipped for a return to England with Villa Park a possible destination.
To add pace and depth in wide areas, Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge, formerly of Norwich City, is also a reported target. TEAMtalk states that Villa, along with Crystal Palace and Tottenham, are monitoring the winger's situation.
With the opportunity to both recruit and potentially move players on to free up funds, Unai Emery's activity in the coming weeks could be crucial for Aston Villa's ambitions in the second half of the season.
