Aston Villa have now reportedly launched a big-money offer to sign a Barcelona attacker for Unai Emery before Monday’s deadline.
Emery praises “fantastic” Aston Villa
It’s a big weekend for Aston Villa, who are aiming to close the gap on Arsenal back to four points after the Gunners’ 4-0 thrashing of Leeds United. For Unai Emery‘s side, victory over Brentford would cap-off a fine week of action, having already battled past Red Bull Salzburg in midweek.
The Villa boss has been full of praise for his side in the build-up too, telling reporters: “How we reacted against Fenerbahçe, how we reacted against Newcastle, how we reacted yesterday when we were losing 2-0, different competitions, different players, it was really fantastic, and even with the young players.
“But the individual attitude is necessary to add for the collective structure, and how we were yesterday with our support in Villa Park, when we came back the result, transmitting our energy, our wishes, the players, especially the players, and how the supporters reacted, helping us, and transmitting the energy, was really fantastic.
“Getting emotions collectively in the squad or in the club inside is very important, but getting emotions with the supporters is very, very important.
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“And this is the idea we have. Of course, we have our style, we have our structure tactically, and individually, try to feel comfortable, confidence, and play, getting their best, but if we are not getting emotions collectively, something can miss us.”
There’s also still time for Aston Villa to welcome further additions in the January transfer window. The likes of Luiz Henrique have already been linked with a move to the Midlands, and he could be joined by a Barcelona attacker.
Aston Villa launch move to sign Ferran Torres
According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa have launched a move to sign Ferran Torres worth as much as €80m (£69m). The offer itself has come just days after Ollie Watkins’ ill-timed injury, but Barcelona are seemingly not willing to sell their forward – reportedly rejecting Villa’s hefty offer.
It’s clear that those in the Midlands are fans of the Spaniard, given that they launched a club-record offer in pursuit of his signature ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Aston Villa’s most expensive signings of all time
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
1
Moussa Diaby
£51.9m
Bayer Leverkusen
2023
2
Amadou Onana
£50m
Everton
2024
3
Ian Maatsen
£37.5m
Chelsea
2024
4
Emiliano Buendia
£33m
Norwich City
2021
5
Pau Torres
£31.5m
Villarreal
2023
But it’s also clear to see why Barcelona want to keep Torres. He’s not always at the centre of the spotlight, yet he remains quietly important at the Nou Camp – scoring 15 goals in all competitions so far this season.
Dubbed “amazing” by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick last year, the 25-year-old is one to watch.