Aston Villa now keen on signing £54m star whose agent is speaking to Barca

Aston Villa are already beginning to work on plans for the summer transfer window, as they are interested in signing an “exceptional” new winger who would cost around £54 million, according to a recent report.

Emery green lights Villa deal amid rumours of spending spree

The Midlands side have been busy in every transfer window since Unai Emery arrived at Villa Park, and it doesn’t appear this summer is going to be any different – the Villans have already been linked with a move for Genoa’s Morten Frendrup.

Meanwhile, Emery has been watching Villarreal’s Juan Foyth live in action and Villa are also in pole position to sign young striker Charalampos Kostoulas.

But the transfer news doesn’t stop there, as according to a report from Spain, Villa have expressed an interest in signing Ferran Torres from Barcelona. It is claimed that the Premier League side have been keeping a close eye on the Spain international this summer but do face competition from teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, Villa are considered the team most likely to make a move for Torres, as Emery has given his approval to the signing, as he believes he will fit into his attacking system. Torres has been a key player for Barcelona this season, but the Spanish giants still need to clean up their accounts, and therefore, they would be willing to listen to offers of around 35 to 40 million euros for Torres.

Aston Villa now keen on signing £54m Atalanta star Lookman

While Emery has given the green light for Torres, he is not the only wide player they are interested in signing, as according to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on Ademola Lookman

, who is expected to leave Atalanta at the end of the campaign.

The report states that as well as Villa closely monitoring Lookman, several Premier League teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all doing the same as well. The 27-year-old, who has been at Atalanta since August 2022, is expected to leave this summer, as he will enter the final year of his contract.

Lookman, who has been described as “exceptional” by former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o, is said to be available for a transfer for around €65 million, which is roughly £54 million. As well as facing a fight from the Premier League, Villa also face a battle to win Lookman’s signature from Spanish giants Barcelona.

That is because the La Liga side have already contacted the player’s agents regarding a move to Spain this summer, but their ongoing financial problems mean it may be hard for them to complete a transfer. Atlético Madrid and Juventus are also keeping a close eye on Lookman’s situation.

Lookman was outstanding for Atalanta last season, as he helped the Italian side on their way to Europa League glory. He has continued that fine form this season, netting 13 goals in 23 league games, but comments from manager Gian Piero Gasperini over a missed penalty have now left his long-term future at the club in doubt.