The next few weeks are crucial for Aston Villa and Unai Emery, as a generation of supporters are about to enter the biggest period of supporting the club.
Whilst securing a place in the Premier League’s top-five will no doubt be a priority, the Villans have a huge opportunity to add another European trophy to their cabinet in the coming weeks.
A Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest awaits, with Emery’s men undoubtedly the favourites for such a clash, given the two clubs’ current league standings.
Winning such a competition, coupled with the prospect of Champions League football at Villa Park next season only bodes well for the hierarchy’s efforts in the transfer market.
Despite the window not being open for another couple of months, the board have wasted no time in identifying potential additions to help bolster the senior ranks.
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Aston Villa’s Remaining PL Fixtures (2025/26) |
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|---|---|---|
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Opponent |
Date |
League Position |
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Tottenham |
07/05/26 |
18th |
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Burnley (A) |
10/05/26 |
19th |
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Liverpool (H) |
17/05/26 |
4th |
|
Man City (A) |
24/05/26 |
2nd |
Aston Villa could have £42m bid accepted for Champions League star
Over recent weeks, Aston Villa have ramped up their efforts ahead of the summer window, with a real impetus on taking the first-team squad to the next level in 2026/27.
Liverpool star Curtis Jones is just one player who’s been earmarked for a potential switch to the West Midlands upon the opening of the transfer window in June.
A fee in the region of £30m has been touted to prise the Englishman away from Anfield, with the player understood to be growing frustrated with his lack of game time under Arne Slot.
However, Jones isn’t the only top-level talent currently on the hierarchy’s radar, as Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo is the latest player to be touted with a switch to Villa Park.
Sport Witness’ latest update claims that Emery’s side have joined Newcastle United in the race to land the Uruguayan international during the summer window.
The 26-year-old’s performances in the Champions League this term has led to increased interest, with Arsenal just one other side said to be interested in his services, as per the report.
Any deal would likely be an expensive one for the Villans this summer, with the article stating the Portuguese outfit would accept an offer in the region of €50m (£42m).
Why Araujo would be Villa’s very own Bruno Fernandes
Over recent seasons, Aston Villa are just one of numerous clubs who have been constantly tormented by Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League.
The Portuguese international has registered 10 combined goals and assists in his 12 appearances against the Villans – whilst also 67% of the games he’s featured in against the West Midlands outfit.
He registered two assists during the Red Devils’ recent 3-1 triumph over Emery’s side last month, which has only strengthened his chances of creating new history.
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How Fernandes compares to Villa players for PL assists (2025/26) |
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|---|---|
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Player |
Tally |
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Bruno Fernandes |
19 |
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Morgan Rogers |
5 |
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Lucas Digne |
5 |
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Youri Tielemans |
4 |
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John McGinn |
3 |
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Boubacar Kamara |
3 |
|
Matty Cash |
2 |
|
Emi Buendia |
2 |
Fernandes has now registered 19 assists in England’s top-flight this term, with the attacking midfielder now just two assists away from breaking the division’s record.
Given the levels he’s achieved at Old Trafford in recent times, the Villa faithful will no doubt wish they had a player of his calibre on the books at Villa Park.
However, their wishes could come to fruition during the upcoming window, especially if the hierarchy can beat the competition and secure a deal for Araujo.
Whilst the full-back operates in a different position to the attacking midfielder, he could emulate Fernandes in moving to the Premier League after making his name at Sporting.
The Uruguayan international has also demonstrated similar qualities within attacking areas, which could see him provide the goods for the attackers in the final third at Villa Park.
Araujo has created a staggering 1.3 chances per 90 in the Liga Portugal this campaign – a tally that ranks him within the top 10% of all defenders in the division.
Such a tally has allowed the full-back to lay on three assists for his teammates, which could see the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers benefit from his talent next term.
The Sporting star’s talent in possession is further reflected in his incredible tally of 24% crosses completed, which also places him in the top 15th percentile in 2025/26.
Like the United star, Araujo has also been able to find the back of the net alone this season – subsequently netting six goals in his 42 outings, with two coming in the Champions League.
However, a huge responsibility will be placed on the defender to impress without the ball, something which he’s demonstrated this season with his tally of 6.5 duels won per 90.
Like his stats with the ball at his feet, the 26-year-old has ranked in the top 10% of players in his position for such a statistic – making him the perfect all-round full-back for Emery.
It’s evident that Araujo would be a phenomenal addition for Villa, but they will desperately need to get ahead of the competition to land his signature this summer.
£42m would be a huge investment, but one that could be a bargain should he have the same level of impact as Fernandes in England’s top-flight in the years ahead.
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