Aston Villa transfer targets summer 2026: Villans eyeing another Chelsea star

Aston Villa did not have an eventful 2025 summer transfer window, as the ambitious Midlands club were restricted as to what they could do due to PSR issues. 

As such, they missed out on key targets like ex-Villa star Jack Grealish, who moved to Everton on loan from Manchester City.

Nonetheless, there are still players Villa could sign this summer as they look to build on a season of qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Europa League.

Aston Villa transfer targets summer 2026

Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Villa are interested in Nicolas Jackson, who Unai Emery knows well from his time at Villarreal.

It would have to be a permanent deal though, as the Villans have already loaned in Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, and they are not allowed to loan in two players from the same Premier League club.

Geny Catamo (Sporting)

Portuguese newspaper A Bola report Villa and Fenerbahce were prepared to pay around £17m for Geny Catamo last year. £17-26m could be enough for a deal this time, well below the Sporting winger's £51m release clause.

Nunzio Engwanda (Anderlecht)

Journalist Alan Nixon reports Villa are interested in Nunzio Engwanda, and the young Anderlecht centre-back could be available for a “bargain” fee.

Karim Coulibaly (Werder Bremen)

TEAMtalk report Villa and Newcastle United are interested in hijacking a potential move to Chelsea for Karim Coulibaly. Werder Bremen are demanding between £30-50m for their young centre-back.

Mandela Keita (Parma)

Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport report Villa, Tottenham and Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in Parma midfielder Mandela Keita.

Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund)

German news outlet Sky Deutschland report Villa, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are keen on Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton.

Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Sportsboom report Villa are plotting an ambitious move for Igor Thiago. Unai Emery is a huge admirer of the Brentford striker, but it would take a significant fee to sign him.

Roony Bardghji (Barcelona)

Journalist Ekrem Konur claims Villa and Leeds United are monitoring Roony Bardghji's situation, as he is expected to leave Barcelona either on loan or permanently.

Jon Martin (Real Sociedad)

Konur claims Villa have entered the race to sign Jon Martin. Emery has given the green light for a £22m bid, but Real Sociedad are holding firm on his £43m release clause.

Zion Suzuki (Parma)

Konur also reports should Villa allow Emi Martinez to leave this summer, Parma's Zion Suzuki is their leading goalkeeper target.

Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo)

Journalist Nico Schira claims Villa and Juventus are looking at defender Oscar Mingueza, who is set to leave Celta Vigo on a free this summer.