Published Jun 15, 2026, 6:50 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.

Villa's rumoured summer transfer plans are becoming increasingly promising as Unai Emery looks to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts once again next season.

The club have already been linked with several eye-catching targets in recent weeks.

RB Leipzig midfielder Eljif Elmas is reportedly a player admired by Villa as Emery searches for more technical quality and versatility in midfield.

Roma attacker Matias Soule is also a fascinating option, with reports from Italy suggesting the Argentine would welcome the chance to move to the Premier League and views Villa as an attractive destination.

Goalkeeper James Trafford is another name to watch at Villa, with Emiliano Martínez reportedly closing in on a move to Juventus.

Villa have explored potential alternatives and Trafford is understood to be one of the leading candidates if they decide to strengthen between the posts.

Despite financial limitations, Emery's side are planning like a side determined to establish itself permanently among the Premier League's elite.

Now, another significant target has emerged from Italy.

Aston Villa frontrunners to sign Lloyd Kelly from Juventus

According to Tuttojuve, Aston Villa are currently among the frontrunners to sign Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly.

Tutto report that the former Bournemouth centre-back is attracting interest from England again and that Villa are particularly well-placed in the race for his signature.

Kelly only joined Juventus permanently last year, but his future in Turin is already the subject of growing speculation.

The defender struggled to fully convince during his initial time in Serie A, but enjoyed a real renaissance last season, starting 33 Serie A matches and nine Champions League matches.

Despite this, and importantly for Villa, the report suggests the Italian giants would seriously consider an offer in the region of £30 million.

That figure is substantial, but not unrealistic for a player with Premier League experience who is still only 26 years old.

Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the situation.

The Magpies know Kelly well from his time at St. James' and could yet emerge as major competitors if they decide to move forward with their interest.

For Emery, Kelly would make plenty of sense as a target.

The defender is left-footed, comfortable carrying the ball out from the back and capable of playing both centrally and at left-back.

That versatility is highly valued by Villa's coaching staff and would fit naturally into the tactical flexibility Emery demands from his squad.

Kelly also brings valuable Premier League experience.

During his spell at Bournemouth, he established himself as a reliable top-flight defender and showed the athleticism and composure needed to succeed in England's highest division.

Villa are clearly looking to strengthen depth at the back.

Newcastle United's Lloyd Kelly before the match

With European football placing greater demands on the squad, adding a proven, homegrown defender would be a logical move.

Whether Villa are prepared to meet Juventus' valuation remains to be seen.

NSWE will naturally weigh up alternative targets and assess whether £30m represents good value.