(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 27 May 2026 8:30, UK

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Aston Villa are one of the leading candidates in the race to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years, and Unai Emery and Co. are “hopeful” that they can win the race for him and provide that move this summer.

The 26-year-old is firmly on the radar as an option at Villa Park, and sources say that Galatasaray are already “bracing for offers” for their star this summer, with interest already building.

Sara notched six goals and five assists for the Turkish giants in all competitions this season, during a campaign which also saw him earn his first senior cap at international level.

Aston Villa want to strengthen their squad and build on their Europa League triumph next term, and Sara is one of their early targets for when the window opens.

How much would Gabriel Sara cost Aston Villa?

Sara is no stranger to Premier League transfer links, as Leeds United have held an interest in him ever since his days in the Championship with Norwich City.

The former Sao Paulo left the Norfolk outfit to move to Istanbul back in 2024, and has since delivered two campaigns that have seen him attract attention from all over Europe.

Galatasaray are well aware of the way that his profile has grown since his arrival, and they are set to charge a premium price for him in a bid to attempt to fend off the interest ahead of next term.

Recent reports from Turkish outlet Takvim have suggested that it would take a bid of around £35million to lure Galatasaray into a sale this summer, making the star a significant investment for any interested parties.

Villa must remain careful in terms of their PSR standing once again, but qualification for the Champions League has eased their issues somewhat in that department.

Emery’s side are expected to be active in the summer market, and a move for Sara is unlikely to be out of their reach after they secured that all-important top-four finish.

Villa caught in crossfire as PFA slammed for loan spell

Former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last week that the PFA should have done more to address the issues surrounding Harvey Elliott’s loan spell at Villa.

The promising Liverpool talent made just nine appearances all season in all competitions, and played just seven minutes of football since the start of February, as Villa attempted to avoid triggering a clause to spark a permanent deal.

Wyness suggested that the PFA should have stepped in to help find a resolution for the starlet’s issue, as he added that the loan spell had only created “problems” for him, rather than boosting his career as intended.

He also questioned whether Elliott may have been ill-advised during the negotiations for the initial deal, but he clearly felt that the PFA should have stepped up to defend their client.

Villa have been caught in the crossfire of that frustrating situation, as a young player’s development has been completely stunted due to the structure of the agreement between the clubs.