Who is Aston Villa target Gabriel Sara and what would his arrival mean for John McGinn

Aston Villa are reportedly keen to add Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara to their squad this summer.

According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Villa are currently competing with Napoli to sign Sara, who is valued by Galatasaray at around £30million.

The Villans have reportedly already sent scouts across to Turkey in recent months to keep a closer eye on Sara's performances.

Aston Villa's return to the Champions League, and subsequent financial boost, means Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his squad this summer, which includes additions in a number of areas.

A new midfielder is on Aston Villa's radar, with the future of John McGinn uncertain and there is also a need to add greater depth to their ranks.

With Sara a target for the club, Football Insider reveals what you need to know about the midfielder.

Gabriel Sara's career so far

Sara may be a familiar name to some English football fans, as the 26-year-old previously had a two-year spell at Norwich City in the Championship.

Crowned as EFL Player of the Month on one occasion, and named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Sara certainly left his mark at Carrow Road.

Born in Brazil, Sara started his career at Sao Paulo, playing over 100 games for the club before making his move to Norwich.

Galatasaray signed Sara from Norwich for around £20m in 2024, where he has since gained Champions League experience.

During his time in Turkey, Sara has won the Super Lig twice, and the Turkish cup.

His performances in Turkey earned him a cap for Brazil in March against France, and his international ambitions may be boosted further by a move to the Premier League.

Sources have told Football Insider that Aston Villa are leading contenders to sign Sara, and his career so far proves that there could be more to come from the Brazilian.

What sort of midfielder is Sara?

Sara typically occupies either the number eight or the number 10 role for Galatasaray, and he contributed five goals and four assists from midfield in the league this season.

A left-footed player, Sara could add balance to Aston Villa's midfield, whilst being an attacking threat from deep.

Sara created 59 chances, and nine big chances, in the Turkish league this season, whilst also winning possession 14 times in the final third.

As a box-to-box midfielder with an attacking instinct, Emery certainly would not be signing Sara to protect the back four on his own.