Aston Villa have started rebuilding Unai Emery’s squad, but three major transfer priorities remain before their Champions League campaign begins.
João Gomes has completed his £38m move from Wolves, while Johan Manzambi has also arrived to strengthen the midfield.
Those additions help offset Youri Tielemans’ departure to Manchester United. However, Morgan Rogers’ expected £117m transfer to Chelsea removes Villa’s most productive attacker from last season.
A Villa News assessment identifies a new forward, a final decision over Emiliano Martínez and left-back cover as the club’s remaining priorities.
Villa have funds available, but the next three decisions could determine whether Emery’s squad starts the season stronger or merely different.
Villa need a proven Rogers replacement
Replacing Rogers must sit at the top of the list.
The England international scored 14 goals and supplied 11 assists last season. He also carried the ball through midfield, created overloads around the penalty area and operated across several attacking positions.
Jadon Sancho has returned to Manchester United following his loan, while Leon Bailey could also leave. Evann Guessand is back at Villa Park, but he has not yet established himself as a consistent Premier League attacker.
Crysencio Summerville has emerged as one possible solution. ReadAstonVilla reported on Monday that Villa are considering hijacking Roma’s £40m move for the West Ham winger.
Summerville would offer pace, direct running and experience on the left. Rafael Leão and Alejandro Garnacho have also been mentioned, although either deal would bring greater financial or contractual complications.
Villa do not necessarily need an identical replacement. Emery still requires someone capable of creating chances and carrying an attacking threat across a full season.
Martínez decision cannot drift into August
Villa also need clarity over Martínez.
The goalkeeper remains one of Emery’s most important players, but Juventus have retained an interest in the Argentina international. Martínez was linked with Manchester United last summer before remaining at Villa Park.
Keeping him would provide stability and leadership after the departures of Tielemans and Rogers. Selling him could generate another significant fee, although Villa would then need to secure a replacement quickly.
Several goalkeepers have already been linked, including Zion Suzuki, Guillaume Restes and Noah Atubolu.
ReadAstonVilla reported that Freiburg have rejected early enquiries for Atubolu, with an offer between €25m and €30m potentially required.
Villa cannot afford to enter the final weeks of the window without knowing who will start in goal. Martínez should either be fully reintegrated or sold early enough for Emery to work with his successor before competitive fixtures begin.
Estupiñán deal would complete left-back change
Lucas Digne is expected to leave after attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Ian Maatsen can become Villa’s regular left-back, but relying on one specialist across four competitions would leave Emery exposed.
Pervis Estupiñán is the leading candidate to replace Digne. Villa have reportedly agreed personal terms with the former Brighton defender and remain in negotiations with AC Milan.
The Guardian reported that Villa were pursuing Estupiñán alongside their moves for Gomes and Manzambi.
The Ecuador international previously worked under Emery at Villarreal and understands the physical demands of the Premier League. His speed and attacking runs would also offer Villa a different option to Maatsen.
Completing the deal would allow Emery to rotate without moving another defender out of position.
Villa have already responded to their midfield departures. Their work in the remaining areas must now follow quickly.
A Rogers replacement is the most urgent requirement, while the Martínez decision could shape the entire defensive plan. Adding Estupiñán would then leave Emery with reliable depth on the left.
Villa’s transfer window should be judged by how well those three issues are resolved, rather than the size of the fees received.
