Aston Villa have reportedly agreed a move for Ross Barkley. The 30-year-old is set to become Unai Emery’s first summer signing.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa could make their first summer signing with the arrival of Ross Barkley. The Midlands clubs have reportedly agreed on a deal for the 30-year-old playmaker, who may have already left Luton Town after their relegation.
Aston Villa to sign Ross Barkley
Aston Villa are eager to strengthen their side ahead of the new season, with Unai Emery certainly prioritising big signings and squad depth. Villa were fortunate enough to finish in the top four despite a dreadful run of form in the last phase of the campaign, but now they will look forward to playing Champions League football next season.
In the last few days, Villa have been the frontrunner for the signature of Ross Barkley, who also had reported interest from Newcastle United and even briefly from Manchester United. The Magpies were keen to add the midfielder to their squad for his experience, and the season he’s had, along with the financial viability of the transfer.
However, it does appear that Aston Villa are at the front of the queue to sign him, with the report suggesting Emery’s side has an agreement in place with the 30-year-old playmaker. Should the news come out accurately, then Villa will get a rejuvenated player who has found himself back at his best levels and might be peaking in the coming years.
Barkley reportedly wanted Champions League football, which is why Villa might have had the advantage over rivals like Newcastle United. Overall, should he sign on the dotted line, the 30-year-old playmaker will prove to be a solid acquisition for Emery ahead of the new season.
Villa are planning big moves
Villa are keen to balance their act in the transfer market and make wise decisions. Signing a player like Barkley will help them focus their finances on more pressing targets, like adding an attacking midfielder with Morgan Gibbs-White as one of their targets.
Xavi Simons has also been linked, but realistically, there are doubts about whether Villa can get him amid interest from some of the big clubs, including Arsenal. They are also trying to bring Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus, and there are many other targets in different positions for Emery.
