Aston Villa are unlikely to chase Raphinha and Joao Felix this summer, here are three alternatives that Monchi could explore.
The talk of the summer transfer window currently revolves around Moussa Diaby at Aston Villa.
After just one year in B6, the Frenchman is set to join Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £50m, leaving Unai Emery and Monchi open to identifying a replacement.
Several possible targets to take Diaby’s place in the squad have been speculated, however, following an update on Villa’s stance regarding Joao Felix and Raphinha, it’s unclear who the Villans will target.
Aston Villa stance on Raphinha and Joao Felix will widen Monchi’s search
Both Raphinha and Felix have been linked with a move to Villa following the news of Diaby’s departure.
Despite speculation about Villa’s rumoured admiration for both players, it’s now understood that Monchi is against chasing either star.
Villa are put off by Felix and Raphinha’s price, which could lead the Spaniard to explore wider areas of the market.
Added to that, it’s been made clear that Emery wants to sign a number 10 this summer, which could prompt the Villa boss to look in another direction.
Following the latest updates on Villa’s hunt for a Diaby replacement, here are three players Aston Villa News think the club should target.
Three players Villa could target instead of Raphinha and Felix
Emile Smith Rowe
Focusing on Emery’s desire to sign a central playmaker this summer, the Spaniard could look at his former scholar Emile Smith Rowe as a target.
The 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal and as a result, could be available for transfer, with Fulham already eyeing the Englishman.
Despite securing a successful breakthrough in the 2021/22 season, things have changed at the Emirates for the midfielder, who could now be of great use to Emery once more.
The Villa boss handed Smith Rowe his senior debut in North London back in 2018 and could now be tempted to reunite with the key creator.
Dani Olmo
Another player Villa could eye is Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo, who like Smith Rowe, is expected to switch clubs this summer.
The Spaniard will be ‘allowed to leave’ RB Leipzig this summer, as Fabrizio Romano reported, sporting a price tag in the region of £50m.
What Emery could get in Olmo is a versatile attacker, capable of playing both in behind Ollie Watkins and being clinical enough himself to lead the line when needed.
Lauded as an “insane” creator by journalist Kai Iliev, the forward is certainly a player Monchi and Emery should explore before deadline day.
Nico Williams
Finally comes another Euro 2024 winner and another one of Emery’s countrymen, as Nico Williams’ future is a prospect difficult to ignore.
Williams has been linked to Villa this summer, as many clubs are eyeing his next move after his dazzling performances this summer.
It would be a statement signing for the Midlands club to capture a player of the 22-year-old’s calibre however, the financial terms surrounding a possible deal make it difficult to imagine.
Still, there’s no denying that the winger could thrive under Emery’s guidance, with no door closed yet regarding his future.
