Aston Villa Transfer News: Emery eyeing "true leader" as first summer deal

Aston Villa have been named as one of the clubs interested in a Serie A star who could be sold by his club next season.

Although the January transfer window remains open, it appears as though Villa are already looking ahead as they look to build on what has been an extremely promising opening to 2025/26.

The Villans are on course to qualify for the Champions League for a second time in three seasons, with their form still raising hopes of a top-two finish, which would mark their equal-best performance in the Premier League.

And with a return to Europe’s elite club competition potentially on the horizon, recent reports are suggesting that Unai Emery could be keen to act accordingly by grabbing one of the continent’s top talents.

According to Calciomercato, Aston Villa are locked in a battle with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.

Kalulu only joined the Turin giants 18 months ago, but it is being reported that Juventus could look to cash in if the price is right.

Villa have factors in their favour as far as this race is concerned. Juventus are thought to be after an offer of around €30m (£26m), handing the Old Lady a substantial profit on the Frenchman.

It also appears that Juventus’ ability to qualify for the Champions League could affect their transfer stance. Heading into this weekend, Juve were only in the top four on goal difference, meaning Italy’s number of CL places could depend on winning one of UEFA’s extra spots.

And with Villa in a far better position to qualify for next season’s Champions League ahead of Spurs and Man Utd, Kalulu may yet see Villa Park as the most attractive destination.

Kalulu has impressed during his time in Turin, with journalist Paolo Aghemo hailing him as a “true leader” following his start to life at the club.

The 25-year-old has already contributed to eight league clean sheets this season, with three of those coming since Christmas – along with three goal contributions.

Villa have only recorded six shutouts ahead of their clash with Everton, with seven goalkeepers keeping more clean sheets than Emery’s side so far.

While Villa are not totally in control of their destiny when it comes to prising Kalulu away, it looks like preparations are being put in place to land one of Europe’s top talents and keep progressing under Emery.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.