Aston Villa have already completed preliminary work on a number of targets for the upcoming summer transfer window, with movement anticipated in the next few weeks.
January Window Recap
In January, Villa sent Donyell Malen to AS Roma and brought in Tammy Abraham to provide a different dimension to Unai Emery's attacking options. Alysson was also signed from Brazilian club Grêmio, but he struggled with fitness and will be given an opportunity to impress during pre-season. Seventeen-year-old Brian Madjo joined from FC Metz as well.
Despite not being a quiet window, Villa pursued multiple players to strengthen Emery's squad for the second half of the season. With Youri Tielemans and John McGinn sidelined due to injury in January, Douglas Luiz returned to the club on a short-term loan until the end of the campaign. Other options across various positions were explored, but the club's flexibility was limited by Squad Cost Rules (SCR).
Potential Summer Targets
Lucas Bergvall
Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall is a midfielder Villa have monitored for months. With Spurs avoiding relegation, a move may be less likely, but his limited playing time has attracted interest from several clubs. For Unai Emery, squad depth and flexibility are crucial, and adding Bergvall would provide both. The 20-year-old Swedish international started only 11 league matches last season. It is unclear what price tag Tottenham would place on the exciting prospect, but from the player's perspective, a move could be appealing given his lack of game time and the chance to play Champions League football at Villa.
James Garner
Another midfield option Villa could revisit is Everton's James Garner. The 25-year-old had an excellent campaign under David Moyes last term and is said to be attracting interest elsewhere. Across Europe's top five leagues, Garner won the most tackles (72) last season but also received the most cards (12). In the Premier League alone, he made 52 interceptions, a figure bettered only by Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo. Garner signed a new contract with Everton in late January, so he would not come cheap this summer.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye is a top target for Villa this summer, following their initial interest in January. A deal could not be agreed during the last transfer window, but Villa have continued to monitor him closely and could make a move in the coming weeks. Mbaye, who is expected to represent Senegal at the World Cup, started only 10 Ligue 1 matches last season and featured in just four of PSG's 17 Champions League games.
Harry Wilson
Villa have held an interest in Harry Wilson for some time, and he is likely to become a free agent next month, as he is expected to turn down Fulham's contract offer. The Wales international enjoyed the best season of his career last term, scoring 10 Premier League goals and providing seven assists. Wilson has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but none can offer Champions League football like Villa, should Emery feel he is the right fit.
Zavier Gozo
Real Salt Lake striker Zavier Gozo has been on Villa's radar after impressing in MLS. Just 19 years old, Gozo has scored six goals in 14 appearances this season and also contributed four assists. Villa enquired about him in January and could rekindle their interest. Jhon Durán, who left Villa for £65 million in January 2025, was signed from another MLS club, Chicago Fire, just two years before his big-money move to Al-Nassr.
