Aston Villa are expected to experience a busy summer window with a plethora of changes to their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.
Unai Emery‘s side upset the odds to finish fourth in the Premier League last season and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
Competing in the prestigious European competition will make Aston Villa more attractive to football’s biggest stars this summer – something the club will be eager to capitalise on.
The Birmingham-based side have already started making moves in the transfer window with HITC revealing that Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Chelsea for Ian Maatsen.
Another player previously linked with a move to Villa Park was former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino, who now plies his trade in Spain with Real Sociedad.
According to The Sun, Merino has a £52million release clause inserted in his Real Sociedad contract.
The 28-year-old failed to set the Premier League alight during his time on Tyneside but he has rediscovered his form in Spain and was called up for their Euro 2024 squad.
Unai Emery rubbishes Mikel Merino to Aston Villa
Before Villa fans get excited at the prospect of adding Merino to their midfield ranks, Emery has spoken out and denied the rumours.
In an interview with Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco, Emery said: “It’s all a lie. There has been no interest in signing Mikel Merino while I have coached Aston Villa.
“La Real have very good footballers and there could be interesting players for Aston Villa, but we have not even promoted interest in any player. In the specific case of Merino there is nothing.”
Aston Villa have a big summer ahead
While a deal for Merino is clearly off the cards, Villa’s recruitment team will be working hard behind the scenes to give Emery a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.
HITC understands that Villa have opened talks with £25 million-rated Fiorentina starlet Michael Kayode as they search for a new right-back.
While Emery and Villa would have loved to keep hold of the squad from last season, the club are under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules and therefore sales are likely.
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