Published Jun 4, 2026, 6:42 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.

Unsurprisingly, attention has already turned towards how the club can strengthen a squad that exceeded expectations across multiple competitions.

Several names have been linked with Villa in recent days.

Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas is a key one, with reports from Germany and England in the last week suggesting Villa have already opened talks over a potential move, with the goalkeeper understood to be enthusiastic about the prospect of working under Emery.

Nicolas is believed to have a release clause in his contract, making him an attainable target should Villa decide to accelerate negotiations.

Further forward, Villa have also been credited with interest in Roma attacker Matias Soule.

Reports from Italy claimed the Midlands club have already spoken with the player's representatives as they explore options capable of adding creativity and versatility to their attack.

Roma are understood to be under pressure to generate funds through player sales before the end of June, potentially creating an opportunity for interested clubs.

Defensively, Villa continue to monitor opportunities in the market as well.

Oscar Mingueza has been linked with a move after reports suggested the former Barcelona defender is set to leave Celta Vigo.

The Spain international's versatility across the back line is believed to appeal to Villa's recruitment team as they seek additional depth for another demanding season.

Taken together, the rumours point towards a club looking to strengthen from back to front.

Now, another intriguing name has emerged.

Eljif Elmas keen to join Aston Villa after snubbing Fenerbahce

According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb and journalist Raimondo De Magistris, Napoli favourite Eljif Elmas would prefer a move to Aston Villa over several of his other options this summer.

The report claims the 79-cap North Macedonia international, who spent 25/26 on loan at Napoli from RB Leipzig, has made it clear that Villa are his preferred destination as he evaluates his future.

Perhaps more significantly, it is suggested Elmas is not interested in accepting what has been described as an 'attractive' financial proposal from Fenerbahçe, despite previously spending part of his career there in Turkey.

That stance could hand Villa a significant advantage if they decide to pursue a deal.

Elmas has built a reputation as a technically gifted and versatile midfielder capable of operating in several positions.

Throughout his career, he has featured centrally, in attacking midfield roles and on either flank, making him the type of flexible option Emery often values within his squads.

The 26-year-old first rose to prominence at Fenerbahçe before earning a move to Napoli, where he was part of the squad that won the Serie A title during the 2022/23 season.

Elmas was a regular under ex-Napoli boss Antonio Conte last term, making 44 appearances in all competitions and starting 20 Serie A matches.

However, while they possess a buy option, Napoli don't want to trigger it due to the price, and according to the Italian report, Villa currently hold a strong appeal to him.

The suggestion that Elmas is prioritising a move to the Premier League over a financially lucrative return to Turkey highlights the attraction of Emery's project.

Villa's recent success, coupled with the opportunity to compete in Europe once again, has significantly enhanced the club's standing in the transfer market.

Whether Villa move beyond admiration and launch a formal attempt to sign Elmas remains to be seen.

For now, attention remains focused on several different targets across the squad.