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Spanish duo on Emery’s Villa transfer shortlist as key additions eyed

Sumeet Paul
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery reportedly has both Pau Torres and Nico Williams on his transfer shortlist this summer to strengthen his squad.

Villa are expected to be busy in this transfer window and have already secured an agreement for our first signing, with Youri Tielemans set to join us on a free transfer on July 1.

READ MORE: What Tielemans said on why he chose Villa and reveals Emery talks

While that adds competition and depth in midfield, Emery is likely to want reinforcements in various departments as we try to build on our seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, while also aiming for domestic silverware and going on a deep run in the Europa Conference League.

According to Relevo’s Matteo Moretto, as per the video below, Williams is said to be our main target this summer, but despite his current contract set to expire in 2024, he has a €50m release clause in that deal.

The 20-year-old is an exciting talent who is set for a big future for both club and country, and he certainly took a step forward last season with nine goals and six assists in 43 appearances, while he has one goal in eight caps for Spain.

With his pace, technical ability, creativity and eye for goal, he would not only be a top addition for those attributes alone, but he would also address a key need for Villa and Emery, given the likes of Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore were inconsistent when deployed on the right side.

Williams would potentially be the perfect solution to add a new dynamic to our attack and make us increasingly dangerous, but time will tell if we can get a deal done to acquire his services this summer as there is a significant bond between him and Athletic that he may not wish to end at this time.

Meanwhile, at the end of the video below, Moretto adds that Villarreal defender Torres is also on Emery’s wishlist, and so it remains to be seen if the Spanish tactician seals a reunion with his former defensive ace.

The 26-year-old has established himself as a fundamental player for the La Liga side, making 173 appearances at senior level, while he’s represented Spain on 23 occasions.

With his contract also expiring in 2024, it’s hoped that a deal can be done that would represent great business from Villa, and this isn’t the first time we’ve been linked with him, as Cadena Ser reported last week that we have already made an offer. Similarly to Williams, Torres would raise the level in the squad and add serious competition in the backline.

These two names in particular are not only not going away, but they appear to be gathering momentum, but it remains to be seen if Villa ultimately end up completing two significant transfers.

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