Sources: Aston Villa ready to smash transfer record on 'huge' signing
Aston Villa are planning to smash their transfer record again this summer with another “huge” spending spree, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands club will be one of the biggest spenders again in the main window despite massive outlays in recent years under owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
The pair are prepared to bankroll what sources say will be another “huge” overhaul and back Unai Emery to the hilt.
They have been greatly encouraged by the progress made under the Spaniard since he replaced Steven Gerrard in November.
Football Insider revealed on 11 February that Emery took a very hands-on approach in the January window as Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran arrived at the club.
Aston Villa have launched themselves into the battle for European qualification after a stunning run of recent form.
That development has negated the supporters' disappointment at exiting both domestic cups at the third round stage under Emery.
The Villians' current record signing is former Norwich star Emiliano Buendia - who was signed for a reported potential fee of £38million.
Second on the list is talisman Ollie Watkins, who cost Villa a reported initial fee of £28million.
Both players are in the best form of their Premier League careers under Emery as the Midlands giants aim for their first top-half finish since returning to the top flight in 2019.
They spent a reported £89million across both windows in the 2022-23 campaign.
As well as planning for new arrivals, Villa will look to move on players who are deemed surplus to requirements.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 April) that a Saudi Arabian club has a strong interest in star attacker Philippe Coutinho ahead of the summer.
Morgan Sanson and Leander Dendoncker have also been told they are free to find new clubs after limited involvement this term.