Aston Villa have entered pole position for their potential first major signing of the summer, ahead of both Man City and Leeds United, according to a new report.
Unai Emery‘s side have just two weeks to go before their first Premier League game of the season against Newcastle, and barring goalkeeper Marco Bizot, Villa have been one of the least active top flight clubs in terms of recruitment.
Their transfer window has been dominated by PSR concerns, financial constraints and more rumours linking key men with moves away than stars actually coming through the door.
Aston Villa’s best performers in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Youri Tielemans
7.08
Morgan Rogers
6.92
Marcus Rashford
6.82
Tyrone Mings
6.81
Ollie Watkins
6.80
via WhoScored
Emery, and supporters in particular, will be hoping for a late-window surge from the club’s president of football operations, Monchi, in preparation for what is an absolutely vital 2025/2026.
Villa are paying the price for missing out on Champions League qualification, but if they fail to reinforce the squad, it is unlikely they can mount a more successful top four push next term.
NSWE have been tipped as contenders for some high-profile upgrades from now until deadline day on September 1, though, with Emery reportedly keen on a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson among others.
As well as the Senegalese, Villa are believed to be top contenders to sign former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who’s fresh off the back of a promising debut season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.
The Brazilian hit double figures for assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, including two against Besiktas, with Sara also scoring in a 3-1 derby win over arch rivals Fenerbahçe at the beginning of 2024/2025.
Sara has built upon his fine last campaign at Norwich, where he was included in the 2024 Championship Team of the Year, attracting praise from ex-Canaries boss David Wagner.
“He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division – no one has a doubt about this. It’s crystal clear,” Wagner said in February last year.
“Nobody should underestimate that he has played more or less every game from the first to the final minute, and he has put on numbers that, in terms of goals and assists, are near the top of our team.
“He works very hard.”
Now, Villa are looking to offer him a route back to England, and they appear to be serious.
Aston Villa leading race to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara
According to CaughtOffside, Villa are currently the “most advanced” side for Sara, taking pole position at the expense of City, Leeds, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
NSWE are also ready to hold talks over signing the South American, who can play both as a traditional centre-midfielder and number 10, with Sara also capable of playing out wide.
Statistically, it’s clear as day why Villa are this keen. Sara recorded a whopping 5.1 shot-creating actions per match and averaged 7.64 progressive passes, placing him in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe (Fot Mob).
His flair and versatility would be a fantastic asset for Emery, and Galatasaray will apparently do business for around £35 million. While Villa are only prepared to go as high as the £17 million mark right now, as per CaughtOffside, it is definitely worth consideration to raise their offer.