Aston Villa are preparing for a significant January transfer window, with manager Unai Emery determined to strengthen his squad for a sustained push to secure a top-four Premier League finish.
Villa's Top-Four Ambition Fuels Transfer Plans
The club's impressive run of eleven consecutive victories earlier this season propelled them into an unexpected title challenge. Although a defeat to Arsenal on December 30 left them six points behind the leaders, Villa remain in a strong position to achieve Champions League qualification. The West Midlands side are now looking to the winter market to consolidate their position, mirroring their successful activity in recent January windows.
Villa have already been active, securing the signing of teenage winger Alysson and agreeing a £10 million deal for 16-year-old striker Brian Madjo, dubbed the 'next Didier Drogba'. However, their ambitions appear to extend to more established talent.
Conor Gallagher Emerges as Primary Target
According to reports from TEAMtalk and Sky Sports, Aston Villa have developed a 'real belief' that they can complete a January move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher. The deal is likely to be structured as a loan with an obligation to buy.
The 24-year-old, who came through Chelsea's academy and made 95 appearances for the Blues, moved to Atletico Madrid for £38 million in the summer of 2024. The Spanish club are reportedly only willing to sanction a loan departure if it includes a mandatory purchase clause, set at a figure close to what they paid.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed that despite manager Diego Simeone appreciating the player, Atletico are 'open to letting Gallagher go' to secure more regular playing time, with a meeting held in December to discuss an exit.
Wages and Deal Structure Key to Negotiations
While Villa's financial situation under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) has been scrutinised, the club's history of high-profile loan deals is seen as a positive precedent. Last January's acquisitions of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, who made a significant impact, demonstrate Villa's capability to structure complex agreements.
"The Asensio and Rashford deals tell us that they can pay huge wages if they need to," Bailey noted. "They didn't invest too heavily in the summer. They're not as bad as they were PSR wise... I think they can do this."
The main point of negotiation is expected to be the trigger for the obligatory purchase. Villa may want it linked to securing a top-four finish, while Atletico Madrid would prefer it based on a number of appearances made by Gallagher.
Analyst Dean Jones suggested that while wages could be a minor stumbling block, Villa under Emery is seen as the perfect environment for a player with a point to prove. "It's like Unai Emery's rehab centre," Jones said, comparing the potential move to the club's previous successful projects.
With the future of other linked players like Harvey Elliott also a factor, Villa's hierarchy are working diligently to add proven Premier League quality to their squad as they aim to return to the Champions League.
