Aston Villa ready to back Emery and move for "best player of his generation"

Aston Villa chiefs are ready to back Unai Emery in the summer transfer window, should the manager make it clear he wants to sign an “incredible” player, according to a report.

Villa’s summer transfer plans taking shape

We are now at the business end of the season, and things aren’t going exactly to plan for Villa, having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Crystal Palace at the weekend, while the defeat against Manchester City has weakened their top-five aspirations.

As such, if Emery’s side are to take the next step and compete for major honours next season, the manager may feel he has to strengthen in the summer window, and targets have been identified in a number of key areas.

Despite having Emiliano Martinez on the books, the Villans are now ready to pay the £21m release clause for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while they have also held talks over a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha.

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He has been a popular figure at Villa Park.

Last week, it was also revealed that internal discussions had been held over Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, and there has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit.

According to a report from Football Insider, Villa are chiefs are now ready to back Emery, should the manager make it clear he wants to sign De Bruyne this summer, with the Belgian keen to continue playing at the highest level.

The attacking midfielder is on a monster £400k-a-week salary, but the board are ambitious, and they are willing to battle it out with clubs from Saudi Arabia and the MLS if Emery gives the green light.

Interested clubs are set to table lucrative contract offers, so while the 33-year-old is available on a free transfer, the Villans will have to be willing to spend big on wages to win the race.

De Bruyne could be “best player of his generation”

The Belgium international has started to play more of a sporadic role, recently being benched for his side’s 2-0 triumph against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final, but he is undoubtedly among the best players in Premier League history.

The “incredible” midfielder has played a major role in Man City’s golden era, picking up 107 goals and 177 assists in 417 appearances for the club, which perhaps makes it a little surprising they are willing to let him leave on a free transfer this summer.

That said, De Bruyne is set to turn 34 in June, and the fact he is receiving reduced game time suggests his best days could be behind him, so it would be a risk for Villa to snap him up on a big contract.