Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable, but the Spaniard will want to make sure it’s just the start of a long and successful reign.

He arrived at Villa Park in November 2022 after Steven Gerrard was handed his marching orders as the Villans lurked just above the Premier League’s relegation places.

The 54-year-old has since led the club to four successive top-seven finishes in England’s top-flight - subsequently securing consistent European football in the West Midlands.

The Europa League final win over Freiburg on May 20th secured Emery’s place in the club’s history forever as he led the side to their second-ever European trophy.

A Champions League campaign awaits the Villans once again next year, but the manager will no doubt be craving added additions in the months ahead to compete against some of Europe’s elite.

Aston Villa enter talks to sign £35m attacker

The forward line at Aston Villa has played a huge part in the recent European success, with John McGinn and Ollie Watkins just two players who have caught the eye in front of goal.

Their respective form hasn’t stopped the club’s hierarchy from targeting reinforcements, as seen by the recent interest in securing a move for Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes.

It’s been reported that Emery’s men have been keen on a move for the 28-year-old forward, who is keen to make a return closer to home after coming through the ranks at Leicester City.

The Englishman isn’t the only player on the Villans transfer shortlist at present, with Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe also emerging as a possible transfer target.

In recent days, The Athletic have reported that Emery’s side have been in talks with the Serie A outfit over the prospect of a transfer for the 23-year-old winger.

The report also states that Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea side are keeping a close eye on the youngster’s progress and are willing to make a bid for his signature.

A fee in the region of £35m could be required to secure the winger’s signature, with the player also open to a move to the Premier League during the upcoming window.

Why Rowe would be the dream Morgan Rogers replacement

As previously mentioned, Villa’s attack has been influential to their recent success, with winger Morgan Rogers just one player who’s caught the eye within the final third.

The 23-year-old, who cost £8m from Middlesbrough in February 2024, has reached unimaginable heights - even netting a goal during the Europa League final triumph.

He ended the recent campaign with 25 combined goals and assists from his 55 appearances across all competitions - resulting in an England call-up for the 2026 World Cup.

However, his impressive form has alerted other Premier League clubs, as Chelsea and Arsenal circle and plot a potential move for the versatile attacking star.

An £80m transfer has been mooted for Rogers this summer, as Emery’s men may have to offload their star man to avoid any breaches of PSR and keep the club away from any financial issues.

Losing the Englishman would be a huge blow to the manager and the supporters, but a move for Rowe could allow the Villans to secure the perfect replacement.

The Bologna star has massively caught the eye in recent months, even scoring against Emery’s men during the Europa League quarter-final clash back in early April.

He’s netted eight goals across all competitions during 2025/26, subsequently possessing a very similar eye for goal - just like his compatriot has at Villa Park this term.

Rowe, who’s been dubbed “scintillating” by Carlton Palmer, has also been able to glide past the opposition in recent months - as seen by his tally of 2.7 successful dribbles per 90.

The aforementioned tally ranks him in the top 5% of all attackers in Italy, with such a figure also higher than the one Rogers has mustered in the Premier League this season.

The Bologna star’s dominance over the current Villa star is also demonstrated in his higher cross completion rate - which could provide Villa with an added attacking option next term.

Losing Rogers would be unthinkable for Villa and Emery this summer, with the attacker a player who played a vital role in the club’s ability to secure a top-four finish and claim European glory.

However, as one door closes, another could open for the Villans, with Rowe a player who has the potential to be the perfect replacement should Rogers depart the West Midlands.

£35m would be an excellent price for the 23-year-old, as Emery has the perfect chance to mould the Englishman into the top-level winger needed for further success in Europe.