Summer of change at Aston Villa? What they may need to do in the transfer window | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s final day loss to Manchester United meant Unai Emery’s side were not able to qualify for the Champions League, though it was still enough to finish sixth and earn qualification to the Europa League.

Emery’s Aston Villa project is still an exciting one, but will the club be able to attract the calibre of players they were getting used to? And what impact will failure to qualify for the Champions League have on the club complying with profit and sustainability rules?

We’ve had a look at how Villa’s summer could pan out…

Martinez replacement?

Perhaps the biggest possible departure is that of World Cup winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The 32-year-old appeared to wave goodbye to the Villa supporters at Villa Park after their win over Tottenham and has reportedly attracted interest from other clubs.

Martinez has been a key part of a Villa side which has achieved so much in such a short time and replacing a character and player of his quality is something that Villa will have to get right. Lille’s Lucas Chevalier is among those reportedly being considered.

Revamp the attack?

Another possible concern for the Villains is the potential loss of striker Ollie Watkins following yet another impressive season in front of goal, scoring 17 goals and assisting 14 times in all competitions. He was subject to interest from Arsenal in January and they could revisit that this summer.

Although other players in the squad could fill the hole left by Watkins, such as Donyell Malen and incoming youngster Zepiqueno Redmond, a starting striker is a must if he does go.

With Liam Delap’s move to Chelsea imminent, a player who could fall out of favour is Nicolas Jackson. The 23 year old Senegalese striker has over 40 goal contributions across his first two seasons in Chelsea blue and would fit into Emery’s attacking system.

Leon Bailey is another player who could leave. Unable to find any form this season, the Jamaican winger is in need of playing regular football elsewhere. Among his replacement options could be Alejandro Garnacho, who looks set to leave Manchester United.

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio featured frequently after joining the club on loan in January and will need replacing should they not sign permanently.

New right-back?

Matty Cash’s right-back position is one that has been under immense scrutiny over the past year, with several errors, such as the wayward back pass on the final day, proving costly, and pressure from the profit and sustainability rules mean sales of players such as Cash could be a big boost.

There is yet to be any concrete talks of any potential signings in that area, however Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida was heavily linked last summer, and Villa could be tempted to explore this option again.