Sources: Aston Villa to block midfield sales as Ilaix Moriba pursuit intensifies

Aston Villa are trying to fend off interest in some of their key centre-midfielders this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Unai Emery is trying to strengthen his squad across the board ahead of their return to the Champions League, but several of his crucial stars are attracting interest from across Europe.

However, the Villans have no desire to sell any of their current options in the middle of the park, and are instead trying to bolster their ranks for a busy schedule next term.

Sources say that a move for their latest target Ilaix Moriba will not result in any sales in the midfield area, such is Emery's desire to strengthen.

The second city outfit were left short by several injuries in that area of the pitch last term, and the Spanish boss is keen to guard against that in 2026-27.

Celta Vigo's Moriba is firmly on the radar at Villa Park at the moment, as the Premier League side weigh up a move for the 23-year-old.

Aston Villa below Ilaix Moriba asking price at the moment

Moriba has emerged as an appealing target for Villa in their bid to strengthen this summer, after an impressive campaign in La Liga.

The former Barcelona man is finally starting to live up to the potential laid out for him during his time in their academy, and also got a prolonged taste of Europa League football in 2025-26.

Celta need to sanction a big sale from their squad in order to address their financial concerns this summer, and Moriba has been earmarked as a potential candidate.

They have set a £25million asking price for their star man, but Villa have other ideas at the moment.

The Premier League side are hoping to strike a deal for Moriba at the £15m mark, and are unwilling to go rise as high as £25m for the youngster at the moment.

Emery's side are still hopeful that a cut-price deal could be on the cards, especially as they have Champions League football on their side to tempt the player.

Aston Villa ready to reignite Lucas Bergvall chase

Football Insider revealed last week that Villa are ready to reignite their chase for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer.

The young midfielder has made it clear that he is keen to leave North London for a new challenge this summer, but the Lilywhites remain reluctant to let him go.

Villa have continued to keep tabs on Bergvall and could make a move this summer, while Nottingham Forest have also shown an interest in recent weeks.

Bergvall would be an expensive deal for Emery and Co. to strike, but their interest remains after their enquiry back in January.