It’s been an incredible first half of the season for all concerned at Villa Park – and the opening of the winter market gives Unai Emery an opportunity to bolster his squad as they seek a Champions League place, or perhaps even a tilt at the Premier League title.
And so, with the January window now here, Football FanCast has gathered some of the latest rumours concerning the potential incomings and outgoings at Aston Villa.
Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours – in
Tuesday 16th January
Mikel Oyarzabal – Real Sociedad: According to reports from Spain, Manchester United target Mikel Oyarzabal is set to turn down a potential move to Old Trafford in favour of the Villa.
It is believed the player could cost in the region of €60m (£51.4m), with the Red Devils keen on the winger as a possible replacement for Jadon Sancho.
However, the report suggests the 27-year-old Spaniard would be keen to join up with Emery at Villa Park over their top-flight rivals amid their recent success in the Premier League.
Oyarzabal has enjoyed a strong 2023/24 campaign in La Liga having returned an impressive eight goals and one assist in his 19 league appearances thus far (via Transfermarkt).
Mario Hermoso – Atletico Madrid: Elsewhere from Spain, Villa are set to pick up Atletico Madrid centre-back Mario Hermoso in the summer when he becomes a free agent.
It is believed Monchi has previously looked into signing Hermoso during his time at Sevilla, and he has now had approval from Unai Emery to attempt to bring him to Villa Park.
Having failed to reach an agreement with Atletico, it is claimed the defender is now keen on a change of scenery in the summer, but he has no intention of leaving this month.
The 28-year-old has played a significant role for the Spanish side this term, making 17 starts in La Liga alone as they aim to secure themselves a spot inside the top four.
Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours – out
Friday 12th January
Douglas Luiz: According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa will be willing to accept bids in the region of £100m in the summer for their midfielder.
Luiz is in high demand with a number of clubs being linked to the Brazilian this month. It is said Liverpool are also keen to bring him to Anfield with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona are also in the race.
The central midfielder has shown just why some of the biggest clubs in the world are interested in him having provided an impressive return of six goals and three assists in the Premier League alone (via Transfermarkt).
With Emery already not willing to reject the possibility of selling some of Villa’s finest players to meet FFP demands, it is believed Villa have valued Luiz on the basis of the sale of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo last summer.