Unai Emery has publicly confirmed that Aston Villa are actively preparing for the January transfer window, though he has tempered expectations by highlighting financial constraints. The revelation comes as Villa enjoy a historic 11-game winning streak in the Premier League, a run that equals a club record last set in 1914.
Villa's Transfer Strategy: 'We Will Do It'
Speaking ahead of his team's crucial trip to face Arsenal, the head coach provided a clear insight into the club's winter plans. Emery stated that the club is "alert" and "working" on potential deals, with a focus on recruits who can immediately improve the squad for the second half of the season.
"If we can sign someone to help us and improve on something we need, we will do it," Emery affirmed. He was quick to praise his current squad, acknowledging their record-breaking form makes them more than capable competitors. However, the perfectionist in him is always looking for an edge, especially with Villa firmly in an unexpected title conversation.
The £35m Serie A Striker Link
Speculation has already begun to swirl around potential targets, with one name prominently featuring in the rumour mill. Villa are reportedly among the clubs interested in Bologna's highly-rated Argentine striker, Santiago Castro. According to reports emerging from Italy, the Serie A prospect could be available for a fee in the region of £35 million.
This link underscores Villa's desire to bolster their attacking options, with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest also credited with an interest in the young forward. However, such a significant outlay would represent a major departure from their recent transfer strategy.
Financial Realities and Emery's Pragmatism
Emery was candid about the economic limitations facing the club, providing crucial context to the Castro rumours and others. "We can sign players, only we can't spend a lot. But we can do something, of course," he explained. This echoes the summer window, where the club's only major cash signing was forward Evann Guessand.
The Spanish coach pointed to last January as a potential blueprint, where Villa orchestrated a series of ins and outs. "Maybe as well changing someone. Last year we signed four players in January and let others leave. We are in the same situation now," he added.
With Villa competing on two fronts—maintaining a Premier League challenge and pursuing glory in the Europa League—Emery is determined to be ambitious. The remarkable turnaround from a team that scored just once in its first five league games to one now battling at the summit is not lost on him, but he remains focused on sustainable growth and achieving the club's objectives.
