Club chief confirms talks to sign £125,000-a-week ace from Aston Villa

A club official appears to have confirmed that talks are “taking place” to sign the £125,000-a-week player from Aston Villa this summer.

Unai Emery is eyeing a future Premier League title at Villa

Manager Unai Emery has won the hearts of Villa fans since taking over from Steven Gerrard in late 2022, and has now guided them to their first Champions League qualification since the 1980s.

The Midlands giants are set for fourth place and a place in next season's Champions League group stage, coming off the back of a fine campaign filled with Emery in the Villa Park dugout.

Club chief Monchi and NSWE will also back Emery in the summer transfer market, according to reports, with Villarreal star Alex Baena attracting interest from Villa in the summer window – which opens for business on June 14.

It's an exciting time to be a Villa supporter, but Emery is not quite settled in Europe. The Spanish player, as he admitted to the media on Friday, wants to take them to the next level and finally challenge for the Premier League title.

“It's a dream,” said Emery of Villa's next ambitions.

“It's very difficult. When we started the season we played two games against City and Arsenal, we won both games. We were there.

“Those teams are consistently amazing. I want to be better and I have my dreams and I believe in my dreams. Yes, my goals are to win the Premier League or the Champions League. The team on Tuesday was fantastic. I am very happy with the players and the coaches, I know how important it is to be there [in the Champions League] and compete in it.

“With the Premier League, it's very difficult to get it. It's great to get it. Now, after the next challenge, it's about preparing for the new season.”

As Villa's squad grows, however, certain players will have to move on – as is the case for a good game. Another exit will be bittersweet, but one man the club will want to fully release is £17 million signing Philippe Coutinho.

Vasco Da Gama talks “what's happening” to sign Coutinho from Aston Villa

The Brazilian's £125,000-a-week move to Barcelona did not go as planned, and he has spent the season on loan at Qatar Stars League club Al-Duhail.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, as translated and shared by Sports Witness, Vasco Da Gama president Pedrinho appears to have confirmed that there are talks to sign Coutinho from Villa – giving the club the chance to sell him on a permanent deal, and talks appear to have taken place. owned by the president himself or by ownership. Vasco Da Gama is part of 777 Partners.

“It [negotiations with Coutinho] it happens,” Said Pedrinho.

“By whom? By whom? [Journalist replies that it’s with Vasco SAF].

“And is it still Vasco SAF or is it with me? Suddenly there was me before there was Vasco SAF. At that time Josh might have been there [Wander, 777 Partners], now it might be me. And there may have been rumors that it had Vasco SAF.”