Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his squad with a new signing from La Liga.
Aston Villa is enjoying a strong season and aims to further enhance their squad in 2026. With an eye on midfield reinforcements, Emery has pinpointed a key target in recent weeks.
Currently, Emery has Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, and Youri Tielemans as options in the defensive midfield role, but he hopes to bring in another player. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of Spanish football, he is targeting one of La Liga’s top-rated midfielders for a move to Villa Park.
Mikel Jauregizar Draws Interest from Aston Villa
Reports indicate that Aston Villa is keen on signing Athletic Club’s midfielder Mikel Jauregizar, targeting a move this January. The 22-year-old is viewed as a perfect match for Emery’s tactical setup, prompting the club to prepare an offer around €60m (£52m).
Since joining the first team in the 2023-24 season, Jauregizar has excelled for Athletic Club, establishing himself alongside talents like Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet. His standout performances have made him a key player for the team, which could complicate Aston Villa’s pursuit of him.
It has been reported that Athletic Club is unlikely to let Jauregizar go unless they receive an “irresistible” offer, complicating matters for Aston Villa, especially with Chelsea also expressing interest and capable of offering more.
Should Aston Villa Invest Heavily to Sign Mikel Jauregizar?
While securing Jauregizar may pose financial challenges due to Aston Villa’s known Financial Fair Play issues, the club hopes to proceed with the deal, viewing him as a substantial enhancement to Emery’s lineup.
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