Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. (Getty)
By most standards, it’s been a quiet summer at Villa Park.
Over a month into the transfer window, Unai Emery’s side have made just one signing: 19-year-old Yasin Özcan from Turkish club Kasimpasa — a deal agreed way back in January.
While Özcan is a promising left-back for the future, his arrival hasn’t exactly moved the needle.
With Aston Villa set for another European campaign — this time in the UEFA Europa League rather than the Champions League — fans are expecting more reinforcements to help cope with the added demands of a packed schedule.
And while marquee signings may yet come, it seems the club is continuing to invest smartly in youth.
Villa Tracking Rodolfo Aloko
According to the Daily Mail, Villa are keeping tabs on highly rated teenage attacking midfielder Rodolfo Aloko, who currently plays for Croatian second-division side NK Kustošija.
The 18-year-old — described as a “gem” in scouting circles — was called up to the senior Benin national team last month, making his debut against Morocco, and has already attracted attention from a host of top European clubs, including Sevilla, Brighton, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Villa are believed to be serious contenders for his signature and view Aloko as a strong long-term fit for the Premier League due to his athleticism, technical ability, and attacking instincts.
Kustošija — known for developing top-tier talent, having recently sold 18-year-old midfielder Lovro Chelfi to Barcelona — are reportedly open to selling Aloko, but are demanding a fee in the region of £4.75 million.
While Villa fans will undoubtedly welcome another exciting prospect, time is ticking in the transfer window — and many will be hoping for a few more experienced arrivals to balance the youthful promise Emery continues to bring in.
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