Aston Villa’s summer rebuild accelerated on Wednesday as Unai Emery moved closer to two major additions while overseeing further changes across the club.
Johan Manzambi is due to undergo a medical before a club-record transfer from Freiburg. Talks for AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupiñán are also progressing.
Villa additionally renewed their interest in Gabriel Sara, confirmed Lewis Dobbin’s departure and announced goalkeeper Emily Ramsey as their latest Women’s signing.
Manzambi remains on course for record Villa move
Manzambi is expected to travel to England and complete his medical on Thursday.
The Athletic reports that Villa will pay more than the £50m spent on Amadou Onana in 2024, making the Switzerland international their record signing.
The 20-year-old had appeared close to joining Newcastle United before Villa stepped up their existing interest.
Onana’s serious knee injury and Youri Tielemans’ £35m move to Manchester United increased the need for midfield reinforcements.
Reports that Manzambi’s camp had concerns over Villa’s Visit Rwanda sponsorship created some uncertainty. However, no established reporter has claimed the midfielder wants to withdraw from the transfer.
His scheduled medical suggests the deal remains on course.
Estupiñán talks move forward
Villa are also working to sign Estupiñán following Lucas Digne’s expected departure.
AC Milan reportedly want around €20m for the Ecuador international, while Villa are attempting to agree a lower fee.
A further development arrived when Milan began considering Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui as a possible replacement.
As Read Aston Villa reported on Wednesday evening, Milan’s search for another full-back suggests they are preparing for Estupiñán’s possible exit.
No agreement has been reached, but the discussions have progressed beyond Villa’s initial enquiry.
Gabriel Sara is another player under consideration. Galatasaray are believed to value the former Norwich City midfielder at between €30m and €40m.
The Brazilian would offer a more attack-minded option alongside Manzambi. João Palhinha and Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall have also featured in Villa’s search.
Dobbin departs as Kamara takes No.8
Dobbin has completed a permanent move to Southampton after two years on Villa’s books.
The 23-year-old did not make a competitive first-team appearance for Villa but scored 11 times during a productive loan spell with Preston North End last season. Neither club disclosed the transfer fee.
Boubacar Kamara will meanwhile wear the No.8 shirt next season. The number became available following Tielemans’ departure, with Kamara switching from No.44.
The change reflects the greater responsibility Kamara may carry within Emery’s rebuilt midfield.
Ramsey joins as Martínez reaches final
Aston Villa Women have completed the signing of Emily Ramsey following her departure from Everton.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper brings WSL experience and has previously been involved with the senior England squad.
Ramsey said she was ready for a new challenge after completing the move, with the contract length left undisclosed in Villa’s official announcement.
Villa’s World Cup contingent also experienced contrasting emotions in Atlanta.
Emiliano Martínez progressed to Sunday’s final after Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1. Morgan Rogers started and assisted Anthony Gordon’s goal, while Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins were also part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Read Aston Villa previewed the meeting between the four team-mates before Martínez secured a place in the final against Spain.
Their extended involvement means all four players will report late for full pre-season training, adding another layer to Emery’s preparations.
