Unai Emery makes 'direct request' for World Cup gem as Aston Villa's Amadou Onana replacement

Unai Emery could be without Amadou Onana for the entire 2026-27 campaign in a huge blow for Aston Villa.

Supporters have been left bewildered by updates emerging from Villa Park, with Ezri Konsa joining Morgan Rogers and, potentially, Ollie Watkins out the exit doors.

The Villa squad is down to the bare bones, and while Boubacar Kamara has returned from injury, Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United has left Emery desperate for reinforcements.

Onana's ACL injury at the 2026 World Cup means that the Villans require more signings in the middle of the park, but time is running out.

Emery may have had his eye on this summer's tournament for an entirely different reason, though, with a new target emerging for the reigning Europa League champions.

Johan Manzambi and Zion Suzuki both impressed for their respective nations, being joined by Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes.

Aston Villa 'best positioned' to sign Gustavo Puerta

But it is Racing Santander's Gustavo Puerta who has emerged as Villa's next target, with a transfer race evolving after the World Cup.

According to LAFM (19 August), a "direct request" has come from Emery to acquire the 23-year-old Colombian international this summer.

It is understood that the defensive midfielder's contract includes €20million (£17.2m), and Villa would be willing to trigger it ahead of the new season.

The Villans are a "leading contender" to sign Puerta, but only after Nottingham Forest entered the race for his signature earlier in the window.

The report states that Emery's side are "best positioned" to sign Puerta, but with several teams interested, they've got to be quick.

Who else could Aston Villa target as Amadou Onana's replacement?

When he's fit, Onana is one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League. Sadly, injuries are a problem for him far too often.

Barcelona's Marc Bernal had emerged as a potential replacement, but Football Insider understands that Villa cannot afford a move this summer.

Of course, Ross Barkley and Lamare Bogarde can do shifts in midfield, and so too can Victor Lindelof, but these aren't names that fill fans with confidence.

Joao Palhinha appeared to be set on a move to Villa Park. While nothing is over until his next move is officially announced, it looks unlikely now.