Villa to take summer spending above £75m as they close on double swoop

Aston Villa have been backed to take their summer spending above £75million by completing deals for Emiliano Martinez and Bertrand Traore ‘imminently’, according to the Telegraph

The Villains have already splashed out £49 million on Brentford striker Ollie Watkins and Nottingham Forest defender Matty Cash.

Watkins became the club’s record singing when he joined for £33million last week.

And they are set to continue their recruitment drive by bringing in a new goalkeeper and a forward. It was reported last Saturday that Villa had agreed a £20million fee with Arsenal for Martinez.

The Argentine goalkeeper attracted plenty of interest after some impressive displays towards the end of last season. The 28-year-old featured in the Gunners’ final nine games of the Premier League campaign, while he also played a starring role in their FA Cup success.

He had been linked with ten clubs, including newly promoted Leeds United, however it is Villa who have won the race for his signature. Official confirmation of the deal is yet to be given, but he could make his debut when Dean Smith’s side take on Sheffield United next Monday.

Martinez will cost an initial £16million, with a potential £4million to be paid later in add-ons.

Traore, meanwhile, underwent a medical at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground on Monday and is expected to be announced in the coming days.

 

The winger scored five goals and provided four assists for Lyon last season, and is set to move to Villa for £17million. He has previous Premier League experience having played ten games for Chelsea, scoring two goals.

He will have to secure a work permit before the deal can be finalised, however Villa are ‘hopeful’ everything will be resolved this week.

Villa were keen to bring in more attacking options to relieve some of the pressure on Jack Grealish. The over-reliance on the club captain last season was clear for all to see. His goals from midfield a big part of the reason Villa avoided relegation.

Smith to focus on trimming squad

Once those two deals are done, manager Dean Smith will then look to cut the size of his squad. The Telegraph’s report names six players who will be allowed to leave before the transfer window shuts.

Two of those are goalkeepers in Orjan Nyland and Lovre Kalinic, both of whom are deemed surplus to requirements. With Martinez coming in and Tom Heaton nearing a return from injury, Smith is confident he has enough available to him. Jed Steer is also seen as a good enough option if necessary.

January signing Mbwana Samatta could also be on his way out after failing to make an impression in England. Hvaing joined for £8million from RC Genk, he managed just one Premier League goal in 14 appearances.

The arrival of Watkins means he is now unlikely to be first choice striker. However, Smith wants to see another frontman come in before signing off on Samatta’s exit.

Three fringe players in Frederic Guilbert, Jota and Henri Lansbury are also available. Villa are understood to be open to offers for the trio.

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