Aston Villa started the new Premier League season with an impressive 2-1 win over a tricky opponent in West Ham but Unai Emery is not yet satisfied with his squad.
Aston Villa have made seven signings this summer, with those purchases bankrolled by the sales of Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby.
Luiz’ move to Juventus was inevitable as Villa looked to ensure they did not breach Premier League spending rules whilst a Saudi offer of £60 million for Diaby proved too good to turn down.
The likes of Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley have all been signed to improve Unai Emery‘s squad for the Champions League campaign and the fact Saturday’s match-winner Jhon Duran looks increasingly likely to stay could save the club money on a striker.
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However, Emery is still keen to add to his ranks before the transfer window slams shut on August 30.
Aston Villa ‘exploring’ possibility of signing Liverpool defender Joe Gomez
With Tyrone Mings still yet to return from the ACL injury he sustained on the first day of last season and Clement Llenglet having returned to Barcelona after last season’s loan, Villa are light at centre-back.
Currently, Emery’s only senior options are Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos, with 20-year-old Lamare Bogarde also available.
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Carlos could be sold this summer with Fulham interested and Emery will not want to rush Mings back after so long out.
That has seen Villa explore the possibility of signing Joe Gomez, who has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool.
That is according to The Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell, who posted on X: “Aston Villa are among the clubs who hold an interest in Joe Gomez, though no deal is imminent with all parties exploring their options.
A player who can play across multiple positions in the backline would be beneficial.”
Gomez versatility key to Aston Villa interest
Gomez came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic at a similar time to Konsa and the pair were both part of the England squad that got to the Euros final this summer.
Emery likes his players to be adaptable, with Konsa having played right-back and centre-back, John McGinn playing everywhere in the midfield and winger Diaby being converted into a striker last season just a few examples of this.
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Gomez would therefore fit perfectly, with the centre-back having previous experience playing right-back as well as playing 15 games for Liverpool in an unorthodox left-back role last season.
This saw the 27-year-old often invert into a central midfield position, with Jurgen Klopp full of praise for Gomez as he played in three different positions in a win over Nottingham Forest last season.
Klopp said: “If you play football at this level, there is (a big) difference between centre-half, full-back, right, left, to the No.6 – and he is capable of that transition in his mind.
“He is one of those stories. What a wonderful player he is and I am so happy he can show that again.
“In midfield, the game is coming from all angles. Everything changes and he has dealt with it so well, it’s crazy. Really good and super-important.”
Gomez’ ability to play a range of positions certainly makes him appealing for Emery and this will be one to keep an eye on in the remaining days of the transfer window.
