Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking about the club’s flexibility in the winter transfer window
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
Unai Emery has confirmed that Aston Villa will have some flexibility to recruit during the winter transfer window despite operating under a restricted budget.
The window opens on Thursday, giving Villa the opportunity to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season following their match against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Villa are expected to complete the signing of Brazilian winger Alysson shortly and will actively pursue other targets to bolster Emery’s squad.
Last year, Villa generated nearly £100 million in player sales through the departures of Jhon Duran, Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene. Speaking ahead of the Arsenal fixture, Emery hinted there could be further changes to his squad in the coming weeks.
“We are alert. The club is working and if we can sign someone to help us and improve on something we need, we will do it,” Emery explained.
“With the players we have, it is enough to compete because we are showing it the first four months. But for the second half of the season, with the same players, of course we can improve.
“Our mentality has been really important, how the players are taking responsibility, being mature and playing together, with the energy we need.”
“We can sign players, only we can’t spend a lot,” Emery added. “But we can do something, of course. Maybe as well changing someone. Last year we signed four players in January and let others leave.
“We are in the same situation now. Of course, how we are competing in the Europa League, we want to try to be a protagonist and hopefully a way for a trophy now.
“In the Premier League, two months ago, we couldn’t speak like we are now as we were in a different situation. Now we want to be ambitious to achieve our objective. That is Europe.
“When I signed here, my message was clear. I came here because I want to try and get a new opportunity in the Premier League and try to build this team being ambitious to fight for trophies, play in Europe consistently.
“Until now, we are doing it. But it is difficult and to stay where we are, we will need a lot of things.”
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