Sources: Villa hunting quick-fire deal for Southampton star as urgent fix for problematic Emery position
Aston Villa’s hunt for a new right back has seen them confirm their interest in Kyle Walker-Peters, TEAMtalk understands.
Unai Emery has done a remarkable job since taking charge, lifting Villa from the mid-table region to European challengers. Indeed, the Birmingham side were 16th in the table when he took charge. But after an incredible run of form – detailed here – they are currently eighth and have a place in Europe in their sights.
Now the club’s owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, plan to back Emery with serious funds. And regardless of their final league position this season, the ambitious owners believe a successful summer window could see Villa challenge for the Champions League spots in 2023/24.
To that end, we understand Emery is already working on a list of targets with incoming new director of football Mateu Alemany.
They want to strengthen all areas of the squad, with a number of attacking targets in their sights.
Indeed, they are hot on the trail of Barcelona forward Ferran Torres. The former Manchester City star is likely to be made available for transfer this summer with Emery and Alemany looking to bring him back to the Premier League.
However, they are also targeting midfield reinforcements and reports this week claim Marcelo Brozovic and Manuel Ugarte are among their targets.
Emery targets Villa move for Walker-Peters
But another position Emery is desperate to strengthen is at right-back.
Current prefered option Matty Cash has been blighted by injury issues since returning from the World Cup. And in his absence, Villa have been forced to rely on 37-year-old Ashley Young.
While Young has not let anyone down, Emery knows he cannot be relied upon forever.
As such, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that the club are ready to make a move for Walker-Peters.
The twice-capped England international is set to be available this summer with Southampton suffering relegation.
He moved to St Mary’s back in 2020 from Tottenham, having been surprisingly allowed to depart.
The 26-year-old has played 108 times for Southampton, scoring four times. But he will not be hanging around for following their demotion to the second tier. As such, Walker-Peters will likely secure himself a rapid move back to the Premier League.
Emery wants Villa to make a early summer move for the star to ensure they can wrap up his signing quickly.
