As far as dream seasons go in professional football, Aston Villa are right up there, with Unai Emery again working his magic during the 2025/26 campaign.
The Spaniard led the Villans to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, also won the Europa League and ended the club's 44-year wait for a European trophy.
There is no denying that Emery has turned this club into one of the most feared outfits in England, but now he has the task of delivering trophies and success on a consistent basis.
His side already has plenty of top-class talent, but it is vital that the manager brings the 54-year-old back with more reinforcements to help his chances of success.
This summer's transfer window offers a great opportunity for the board to build on recent European triumphs and sustain a potential title challenge in the coming years.
Aston Villa are making a £45m bid for the European star
Recent success on the continent and domestically in 2025/26 will only increase the money Villa will be able to spend in next summer's transfer window.
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes has emerged as another potential transfer target, but the Villans could face stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature.
The 21-year-old is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer after being relegated by the Hammers, but Nuno Espírito Santo's side will still want £85m to offload the youngster.
The attacking department could also be strengthened during the break, with Como striker Martin Baturina emerging as another transfer target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Villa have recently made a €50m (£45m) bid for the Croatia international, who has registered a combined 12 goals and assists in all competitions.
The report claims the offer has been rejected by the Italian outfit, and Cesc Fàbregas' side could demand around £69m to get the 23-year-old out this window.
It remains unclear whether Emery's men will return a second bid for the attacking midfielder, but their latest offer highlights an intention to spend big ahead of 2026/27.
Why Baturina will match Villa's mainstay Grealish
Villa's recent rise to the Premier League and European elite would not have been possible without the influence of Jack Grealish – for more than one reason.
The English coach was a key part of the Villans side that secured promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19, while helping to maintain the club's top-flight figures the following year.
He registered 17 goals and 18 assists during his first two years back in the Premier League, often thriving on the left side of the attack or in the number ten position.
|
Jack Grealish – Aston Villa record |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Mathematics |
|
Games played |
213 |
|
Goals were scored |
32 |
|
It helps |
43 |
|
Yellow cards |
29 |
|
Red cards |
2 |
|
Minutes played |
15338 |
However, the 30-year-old will walk away from an English-record £100m deal to join Manchester City in 2021 – a move seen as a real game-changer for the club.
Such funds were wisely invested in the first team squad, which then allowed the recent success achieved under Emery in recent months.
His ability saw him capture the hearts of all the fans in the West Midlands, with Baturina hoping to do the same in any of his moves this summer.
The Croatian has a style of play very similar to Grealish, after which he has the ability to star on the left side of the attack or in central areas.
His stats from last season in Serie A highlight his incredible talent, and his addition no doubt gives Emery the extra quality he is looking for this summer.
Baturina, labeled “one of the best players” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has created an impressive 3.6 out of 90 chances in Italy's top flight.
The aforementioned statistics place him in the top 3% of all midfielders in Serie A, which also highlights his excellent ability to create opportunities for those around him.
His 40% cross accuracy is also another sign of his impressive quality in forward areas – and puts him in the top 3% of strikers in the division.
Baturina's dribble success of 54% highlights the similarities with Grealish, both players have had great success in being able to get past opponents with ease.
While no deal has been agreed for the 23-year-old, the latest offer is a huge statement of intent from Villa in their hunt for more glory in the near future.
Baturina could be an attractive addition if he can reach a deal, with the Croatian having all the tools needed to emulate Grealish's success in the West Midlands.
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