Aston Villa are already preparing for a crucial summer rebuild after securing a return to the Champions League with another top-five finish under Unai Emery.
The Spaniard has continued Villa’s impressive rise since arriving at Villa Park, but the club’s work is far from complete as they prepare for the demands of competing domestically and in Europe next season.
While attention remains on the possibility of adding the Europa League trophy to cap off a successful campaign, Villa’s recruitment plans are already beginning to take shape ahead of a busy transfer window.
With the higher level of competition that comes with Champions League football, strengthening squad depth has become a priority, particularly in attacking areas.
Aston Villa Identify Three Winger Targets
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Aston Villa have already started assessing several winger targets who could fit Emery’s long-term project.
The club are reportedly “sounding out” potential signings capable of adding both immediate quality and future development potential to the squad.
Three names have emerged as players under consideration: Abde Ezzalzouli, Victor Munoz and Jesus Rodriguez.
Abde Ezzalzouli currently plays for Real Betis and primarily operates on the left wing, although he is also capable of playing on the opposite flank. The Morocco international previously came through Barcelona’s system and has enjoyed a productive campaign in Spain.
The 24-year-old has recorded 14 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this season, attracting attention from several clubs in addition to Aston Villa.
Rodriguez and Munoz Also Being Monitored
Jesus Rodriguez is another player believed to be on Villa’s shortlist. The 20-year-old winger left Real Betis for Serie A side Como last summer and has shown flashes of promise during his first season in Italy.
Despite mixed results overall, the Spain youth international has contributed three goals and eight assists, highlighting his long-term potential if he continues to develop.
Victor Munoz is the third reported target. The Spanish winger joined Osasuna from Real Madrid last summer and has quickly impressed in La Liga.
The 22-year-old has managed six goals and five assists this season and recently made his senior Spain debut in March, marking the occasion with his first international goal.
Villa Looking to Balance Present and Future
Aston Villa’s biggest challenge this summer may be finding the right balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term squad development.
Much of Emery’s current core group has remained together since the periods under Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, meaning decisions will soon need to be made regarding refreshing certain positions without disrupting team chemistry.
Villa must avoid relying too heavily on inexperienced talent while also ensuring the squad does not become overly dependent on players approaching the later stages of their careers.
The winger targets currently being monitored suggest Villa are focusing on younger players with strong long-term potential, while still aiming to remain competitive at the highest level immediately.
Whether all three names remain on the club’s final shortlist remains unclear, but Villa’s recruitment team appear determined to strengthen attacking depth ahead of another demanding season under Emery.
