---
title: "Aston Villa hold ‘genuine interest’ in Pape Matar Sarr"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/05/aston-villa-hold-genuine-interest-in-pape-matar-sarr/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-08-05T07:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T11:43:34Z"
---

# Aston Villa hold ‘genuine interest’ in Pape Matar Sarr

**Aston Villa hold genuine interest in signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr as Unai Emery continues to reshape his options in the middle of the pitch.**

Villa have been linked with the Senegal international throughout the summer, but fresh information has now strengthened those claims.

Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, via Last Word on Spurs, reports that Villa’s interest in Sarr is genuine.

That follows previous reports suggesting Emery’s side were considering making a move for the 23-year-old. [Yahoo Sports reported last week that Villa were preparing a potential bid for Sarr](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/aston-villa-preparing-bid-tottenham-132000139.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

There is still no indication that Villa have submitted a formal offer or reached an agreement with Tottenham.

> (🥇) 🚨 NEW: Aston Villa hold a GENUINE INTEREST in [#thfc](https://x.com/hashtag/thfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. ✅ [@mcgrathmike](https://x.com/mcgrathmike?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) via [@LastWordOnSpurs](https://x.com/LastWordOnSpurs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) \
> \
> 🤝 [@HimothyReports](https://x.com/HimothyReports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [https://t.co/NpBfGnlVMM](https://t.co/NpBfGnlVMM) [pic.twitter.com/IgglT2c5SK](https://t.co/IgglT2c5SK)
>
> — Spurs Army (@SpursArmyTweets) [August 4, 2026](https://x.com/SpursArmyTweets/status/2084759389097935161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Pape Matar Sarr interest makes sense for Aston Villa

Sarr would add Premier League experience, athleticism and energy to a midfield which has already undergone major changes this summer.

Youri Tielemans has joined Manchester United, while Amadou Onana remains sidelined by a serious knee injury.

Johan Manzambi was signed from Freiburg but is still recovering from his own knee problem and will miss the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.

Villa were handed another midfield concern on Tuesday when John McGinn was forced off during the 3-1 win over BG Pathum United after landing awkwardly on his left knee. [ReadAstonVilla reported the latest on McGinn’s injury after the game](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/04/john-mcginn-forced-off-as-aston-villa-handed-injury-concern/).

Boubacar Kamara returning after seven months out provides Emery with a significant boost, but another midfielder could still arrive before the window closes.

Sarr remains contracted to Tottenham until 2030, meaning Spurs are under no pressure to sanction a cheap departure.

He made 26 Premier League appearances last season but faced increased competition following Tottenham’s midfield rebuild.

Villa’s interest has now been reinforced by McGrath, although the next significant development will be whether they turn that interest into an official approach.