Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Fresh off an excellent season under Unai Emery, Aston Villa are preparing to reinforce their squad ahead of another demanding campaign.
The Midlands club reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and secured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League — an achievement built on consistency, tactical discipline, and the kind of defensive solidity synonymous with Emery’s best sides.
Despite those successes, Villa know that standing still is not an option. A minor summer rebuild is already underway, with several key departures creating gaps in the squad.
Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio — both impactful during loan spells — won’t be returning, while uncertainty looms over Ollie Watkins’ future amid links to Arsenal and Liverpool.
So far, incomings have been limited. But that could soon change in a major way, as Aston Villa are now reportedly eyeing one of Manchester United’s brightest — and most controversial — young stars.
Villa Eyeing Garnacho
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs weighing up a move for Alejandro Garnacho. The Manchester United winger is currently training away from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad, alongside four other players who have made it clear they wish to leave.
Chelsea and Tottenham are also monitoring the 21-year-old, while Atletico Madrid — the Argentine’s former academy club — retain interest.
United are believed to have turned down an offer from Napoli in January and have previously slapped a £70 million price tag on the explosive wide man. Garnacho, however, is reportedly keen to remain in the Premier League.
The Argentine international has often drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo for his direct style, fearless dribbling, and tendency to produce spectacular moments. But his off-pitch antics have frequently raised eyebrows.
Just last month, Garnacho stirred controversy by posting an image of himself wearing Rashford’s No.9 Villa shirt — a gesture likely intended as support for his teammate, but which fans interpreted as a subtle message of interest.
That message hasn’t gone unnoticed in the West Midlands. Unai Emery is said to be intrigued by Garnacho’s potential — and confident he can refine the winger’s raw talent while curbing his more erratic tendencies.
Whether Villa can match United’s valuation remains to be seen. At £70 million, it would be a club-record signing and a significant risk. But for a player already showing signs of star power — and with the right manager to shape him — it may just prove a gamble worth taking.
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