Published Jun 27, 2026, 6:10 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

One of Villa's most advanced pieces of business centres around experienced full-back Emerson Royal.

The Brazilian defender has been heavily linked with a move to Villa Park this week following his spell in Brazil with Flamengo.

Villa have been widely reported to be in talks over a deal as Emery looks to provide competition for Matty Cash.

Emerson, who is best known in England for his lacklustre three-season stint at Tottenham, has also previously represented Barcelona, Real Betis and Atlético Mineiro.

The 27-year-old only joined Flamengo from Milan last summer, following just one full season at the San Siro, and he could now be on the move yet again.

Emerson does also bring significant international experience after earning 10 senior caps for Brazil.

Villa's recruitment team have been assessing several areas of the squad as they look to build on last season's progress.

Midfield is another department Emery is keen to strengthen.

The departure of Douglas Luiz has altered the balance of Villa's midfield options, while the demands of competing domestically and in Europe have increased the need for greater depth.

That has led Villa back towards a player they have admired for some time.

Aston Villa keen to sign Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Aston Villa remain interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

The report states Villa are ready to reignite their pursuit as the Sweden international pushes for a move away from N17 in search of more regular first-team football.

Football Insider adds that several clubs are monitoring Bergvall's situation, creating an open race for his signature should Tottenham decide to sanction his departure.

Emery's side reportedly made an enquiry back in January only for Spurs to dismiss them outright, but now the situation has changed with Bergvalla actively looking to depart.

Lucas Bergvall's potential explains Aston Villa interest

Bergvall arrived at Spurs with an outstanding reputation after emerging as one of Swedish football's brightest young talents.

He broke into Djurgårdens' first team as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the standout young midfielders in the Allsvenskan.

His performances earned him senior international recognition with Sweden before completing his move to Tottenham, and Barcelona were also believed to be pushing hard for his signature before he chose north London.

Although opportunities have been more limited in the Premier League, Bergvall has continued to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of Europe's leading young midfield prospects whenever called upon.

Comfortable operating as a deep-lying midfielder or in a more advanced role, the 20-year-old has built a reputation for his composure in possession, progressive passing and ability to drive forward with the ball.

His technical quality has frequently been highlighted by coaches throughout his development, with former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou calling him 'outstanding'.

Those comments underlined the potential that persuaded Tottenham to move quickly for his signature ahead of several other leading European clubs.

Villa's continued interest suggests Emery also believes Bergvall possesses the qualities required to thrive in the Premier League.

Competition for his signature is expected to be strong, including from Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, while Fabrizio Romano confirms Bergvall could cost up to £50 million.