After a quiet few weeks following the opening of the January transfer window, Aston Villa have started to ramp up their business in an attempt to land new players whilst moving a number of options on.
Unai Emery’s side have found themselves in a once unlikely race for the Premier League title, but if they are to mount a challenge, additions will no doubt need to be made.
However, given the constraints placed upon them by the division’s PSR rules, departures are likely needed before any new players could arrive at Villa Park.
Donyell Malen is one player who has recently left the club, after it was confirmed a deal had been agreed with Roma to send the Dutchman out on loan with an obligation to buy in the summer.
As a result, such a move could raise funds for the manager to delve into the market, which has led to two players being touted with winter moves to the West Midlands.
Aston Villa offered deal to land English sensation
In recent days, reports of a fairytale return to Villa for Tammy Abraham have been picking up pace, which could see the striker move back to the club seven years after his temporary loan spell.
The Englishman, who’s currently on loan at Besiktas, has been subject to huge interest from Emery’s men, but a deal could be a tricky one to complete.
AC Milan’s Tammy Abraham
Whilst parent club Roma are open to offloading the forward, a deal must be agreed with the Turkish outfit to cut his loan deal short before any permanent return to Villa Park can be completed.
Abraham isn’t the only player currently in their sights at present, with AC Milan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek another talent being considered by the club’s hierarchy.
According to TEAMtalk, Villa have been offered the chance to land the 29-year-old this month, with various other English clubs currently in the race for his signature.
It also states that a permanent deal is currently preferred by Milan, but they would allow the former Chelsea star to leave on loan this window with an option to buy in the summer.
Such a move could suit Emery’s side more than a permanent transfer this month, which could allow for a way around any immediate issues with their PSR issues.
Why Loftus-Cheek would be an upgrade on Gallagher for Villa
In an attempt to bolster the ranks this window, Villa have already suffered a bitter blow, after missing out on the signature of Conor Gallagher to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Emery’s men appeared to have been leading the race for the Englishman’s signature at one stage, even preparing a loan move with an obligation to buy next summer.
However, despite the player even wanting a move to the West Midlands, Thomas Frank’s men hijacked the move at the final hour, with the player completing a £34m move earlier this week.
As a result, the Villans have had to delve back into the transfer market to identify an alternative option to the midfielder in an attempt to bolster the first-team ranks.
It appears as though Loftus-Cheek could be just one option under consideration at present, which could result in a potential move, but like Gallagher, they will have to fend off competition for his services.
However, missing out on the former Atlético star could be a blessing in disguise, with the AC Milan star potentially being a better option for Emery at present.
When comparing his stats to those of the new Spurs man this campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, with many showcasing his quality in and out of possession.
Loftus-Cheek, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist Ishan Shah, has completed more progressive passes and more key passes per 90 this campaign.
Such numbers showcase his dominance over the former target with the ball at his feet, which could hand Emery’s side yet another incredible technician at the heart of the side.
He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90, whilst achieving a higher take-on success rate, with the aforementioned figures providing further evidence of his talents in possession.
How Loftus-Cheek & Gallagher compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Loftus-Cheek
Gallagher
Games played
18
19
Goals & assists
2
2
Progressive carries
3.6
2.5
Progressive passes
4.1
3.4
Key passes made
1.1
0.5
Tackles won
50%
44%
Clearances made
1.6
1.1
Take-on success
38%
16%
Carries into final third
1.8
0.8
Stats via FBref
However, without the ball, the Milan talent has also been just as impressive, with his tally of 50% tackles won and 1.6 clearances made both higher than those registered by Gallagher.
It’s evident from the stats produced at both ends of the pitch that Loftus-Cheek would be an excellent addition for Villa, with his arrival potentially taking the side to the next level.
His ability to play as a deep-lying or box-to-box option could offer Emery’s side some needed versatility in the middle of the park, which again could improve the options at the manager’s disposal.
Missing out on Gallagher’s signature will no doubt be a disappointment to the fanbase, but it could do the side a favour, especially if a move for Loftus-Cheek is completed.
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