Dazzling double £52m Aston Villa deal takes positive step as Unai Emery looks to reunite with Villarreal duo
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly ready to make contact over two exciting signings that will kick-off the club’s January business in some style.
The Spaniard took charge at Villa Park in succession to Steven Gerrard on October 24 and has already made his impact felt. Indeed, wins over Manchester United and away at Brighton have raised hopes that Villa can secure a top-half finish.
However, in order to take his side to the next level, Emery knows money will need to be spent on remodelling the squad. Thankfully, Villa’s owners Nassef Sawaris and Wes Edens are among the wealthiest around. They are also among the most ambitious and funds will be made available in the winter window.
To that end, Emery has been linked with a plethora of players, many of whom he knows well from Spain.
High on his list of thinking is ways in which to strengthen their defence. The signing, but subsequent injury to, Diego Carlos over the summer illustrated their ambition. However, his absence leaves the club high and dry and in need of defensive cover.
As a result, they are reportedly keen on a deal for a long-serving Real Madrid defender.
Emery also wants to address Villa’s lack of width in attack. The likes of Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore were all moved on under Gerrard. As such, the wings are positions that Emery wants more depth in.
As such, the Villa boss is reportedly casting his eyes towards former side Villarreal.
And a report in the Daily Mirror claims Emery is ready to make contact over deals for two of their stars.
Nicolas Jackson and Arnaut Danjuma linked with Villa
First up is Senegalese attacker Nicolas Jackson, who has earned favourable comparisons to Sadio Mane. Fast and direct, Jackson has three goals and two assists to his name this season.
The 21-year-old is rated in the £26m bracket, with the price deemed to be within Villa’a reach.
However, that might not be the only player Emery raids the Yellow Submarine for, with Danjuma also in his sights.
The Netherlands attacker is no stranger to the Premier League, having previously appeared for Bournemouth. But the move to LaLiga saw Danjuma thrive under Emery’s leadership, scoring 16 goals and adding four assists last term.
That form saw the winger linked with a move to West Ham, though the move broke after a late change of heart from the star.
Villa, though, look ready to take advantage with a bid to take him to Villa now seemingly on the agenda.
Per the report, Emery hopes to run the rule over the pair on Thursday when the manager’s past and present clubs lock horns in a friendly.
Contact could even be initiated between the sides over a prospective double deal. And with Villarreal also valuing Danjuma at £26m, a £52m double deal may be struck ahead of the January window.
Villa have been in decent form during the enforced break for the World Cup. They beat Chelsea 1-0 and then held Brighton 2-2, meaning they became the first winners of the CBF | Al Wahda Challenge Cup.
EXCLUSIVE: Emery transfer hope prompts coveted Aston Villa attacker to be targeted by ambitious Champ side
