Unai Emery discusses Aston Villa transfer plans amid Marcus Rashford links
Unai Emery revealed Aston Villa are trying to sign a striker before transfer deadline day after the club were linked with a move for Marcus Rashford.
The Villans boss says they need to sign replacements for Jhon Duran, Diego Carlos and Emiliano Buendia after the trio left the club this past month.
Duran completed a £64 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr this week, while Carlos signed for Fenerbahce in Turkey and Buendia joined Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen on loan.
Saturday evening’s 1-0 defeat to Wolves in the Premier League illustrated the need for reinforcements in order to deal with their Champions League commitments as they prepare for the round of 16 in March.
Emery outlines Villa transfer plans amid Rashford links
But Emery says he wants players that will fit into his system and won’t sign new players just for the sake of signing new players.
“We have to replace Diego Carlos, Jhon Duran and Emiliano Buendia but we do not want to replace with players who cannot help us like I want. We are being very demanding but have to be intelligent,” he told Sky Sports.
Ollie Watkins was forced off at halftime with a muscle problem, making their need for a new frontman all the greater. Emery is realistic about the chances of signing one this late in the window, though.
“To sign one striker is not easy,” he said. “We have some players. Usually Watkins is being consistent, playing matches, recovering strong and playing matches in a row, two or three matches. But today he got injured. Hopefully, it is small.
“The idea is if we can replace Jhon Duran with a striker, a potential player who can help us with the level we want, we will do. If not, we can use versatile players like Donyell Malen.”
Villa are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, although Emery played his cards close to his chest.
“Tomorrow (Sunday), Monday we will see,” he said. “We are working on different players. We will know on Monday how we have finished.”
The January transfer window closes at 11pm GMT on Monday, 3 February.
Read – Premier League teams who need to make a signing before the deadline
See Also – Every Premier League signing in the January transfer window
