Matias Soule makes Aston Villa transfer clear to Roma friends

Aston Villa’s summer transfer plans continue as Unai Emery looks to strengthen a squad capable of competing in the Premier League and Europe once again.

One area Villa want to improve on is midfield.

Recent reports have linked the club with North Macedonian legend Eljif Elmas, and Emery is believed to be keen to add technical quality and versatility to the midfield.

Elmas has built a reputation as a smart and intelligent operator who can play in several positions, making him the type of profile that would fit naturally into Emery’s tactical plan.

Villa are also continuing to look at developments around Man City goalkeeper James Trafford, despite competition from Newcastle.

The England international has attracted interest from the Magpies and a number of Premier League clubs and is one of the country’s most highly regarded young goalkeepers, despite playing a limited role at Eastlands last season.

With the continued uncertainty over the long-term future of Emiliano Martinez, Villa have understandably explored other options that may require entering the market for the number one.

Trafford’s age, experience and strength make him a candidate.

However, this goalkeeper is far from the happy name associated with Villa Park.

Roma striker Matias Soule has emerged as a major topic of conversation for Emery’s squad in recent weeks.

Matias Soule makes Aston Villa’s transfer situation clear to Roma friends

According to reports from Italy, the Argentinian player told people close to him at the Roman Trigoria training base that he would like to test himself in the Premier League.

More importantly for Villa fans, a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Villa will be Soule’s preferred destination if a move to England is possible.

That will no doubt attract the attention of Emery and Villa’s recruitment staff.

The left-footed forward can operate from either side, as a number ten or in a more advanced attacking role.

Aged just 23, he still has plenty of room for improvement, and scored 11 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Roma last campaign.

A move to Villa Park will give Soule the opportunity to work under a respected coach in Europe while testing himself in the most competitive league in the world.

This report also says that Soule’s agent has recently had discussions at Roma’s training ground about the player’s future.

The Italian club are under pressure to raise funds through the sale of players at the end of this month to comply with FFP regulations, which could also play for Emery.

That doesn’t mean a transfer is imminent.

However, it suggests that preparations are made in case there is a lot of interest during the remaining window.

Whether Villa decide to take formal action remains to be seen, but if the player sees Villa as his preferred Premier League destination, that could give Emery’s side a huge advantage.