Aston Villa to deprive Arteta of two key Arsenal signings as ground-breaking swoop for elite duo ramps up

Unai Emery could cause Mikel Arteta and Arsenal some serious problems in the transfer market as Aston Villa are keen on signing two of their main transfer targets, according to a report.

Arteta is eager to add to his attacking options this summer to help Arsenal become even more deadly next season. They are still in the mix for the Premier League title this term, although Manchester City are now in pole position.

If the Gunners are to win next year’s version of the competition, as well as compete in the Champions League, they need to increase the firepower in the squad.

Arteta’s side have long been linked with striker Dusan Vlahovic. Indeed, they tried to sign him from Fiorentina in January 2022, only to be beaten to the move by Juventus.

But various sources have revealed Juve are looking to sell Vlahovic later this year to help fund a revamp of the team. And this has put Arsenal on alert once again.

But according to The Telegraph, Arsenal’s hunt for Vlahovic may be scuppered by their former boss, Emery, and Villa. It is claimed Villa are preparing to back Emery with some ‘ambitious moves’ this summer, to continue their progress and European ambitions.

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And Vlahovic is at the top of their list. Of course, Villa can already rely on Ollie Watkins up front, and he has been in brilliant form over the past few months. But prior to his Juve move, Vlahovic established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe, and he might therefore be a step up on Watkins.

The Serie A man is not the only Arsenal target Villa are eyeing up. The Telegraph back up a recent report from talkSPORT which outlined Villa’s interest in Barcelona winger Ferran Torres.

Serie A, La Liga players in Aston Villa sights

Like Juve, Barca need to sell a couple of big-name players this summer, and Torres is among the group who might be let go.

Arsenal have been admirers of the Spain international since his time at City, during which he bagged 16 goals in 43 appearances. But they are now at risk of losing out on him to Villa, as the West Midlands outfit could soon possess a secret weapon.

They are close to appointing Barca director of football Mateu Alemany in a senior role. His close connections at the Nou Camp may help Villa get the jump on Arsenal and strike an agreement for Torres.

The report does not mention how much Vlahovic and Torres will cost. As they play for two of the most iconic teams in Europe, it is unlikely they would move to the Premier League on the cheap.

But this is no problem for Villa, as they have rich owners who are ready to provide Emery with even more top stars.

Admittedly, Vlahovic and Torres would have to give up on Champions League football for Villa to sign the pair. This is because Villa occupy eighth spot in the Premier League and are likely to either qualify for the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

But, given Villa’s fantastic rise under Emery, there is no reason why they cannot challenge for a top-four place next term. And by adding Vlahovic and Torres to their ranks, Villa would have a much better chance at bursting into the Champions League spots.

Meanwhile, an impressive Villa signing has been linked with an early exit as City are big fans of him.