(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 17 May 2026 8:15, UK

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Youri Tielemans could be set to stay at Aston Villa this summer despite growing interest in his situation, sources have told Football Insider.

The 29-year-old has attracted interest from elite sides across Europe with his performances this season as they aim to exploit Villa’s difficult financial situation.

However, Unai Emery is extremely reluctant to lose the Belgium international and sees him as a vital part of his long-term plans beyond the summer window.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Emery is planning to sell other players to avoid having to lose Tielemans.

The midfielder’s absence through injury earlier this season was a huge blow to the side’s performances, and Emery is determined to keep him as part of Villa’s transfer plans.

Could Youri Tielemans be tempted away from Aston Villa?

Former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 12 May that Aston Villa could be forced to sell Tielemans amid concerns about their financial position.

Should he impress at the World Cup with Belgium, there is a growing feeling that his long-term admirers could step up their interest and make a move.

However, Emery has no plans to let his star midfielder leave any time soon, and is putting plans in place to keep him at Villa Park for the foreseeable future.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Youri Tielemans is one of the players that Unai Emery would be very reluctant to lose.

“They will probably look elsewhere in the squad to see if they could raise funds if they need to sell before they can buy players this summer.

“Unai Emery won’t want to consider losing such a key player.

“Top clubs will be interested in Tielemans if there is any indication he could be prised away from Villa Park because he is a real top player and he’s very highly regarded.

“He was a big miss for Villa in that midfield and since he’s come back you can tell how things have improved since his return to fitness, so they don’t want to lose him.”

Which other players could leave Aston Villa this summer?

With Emery planning to cash in on other players rather than losing his most valuable stars, speculation has grown about which players could leave Villa Park.

Their financial situation means they may be forced to sell before they buy, with fringe players likely to be first to leave, but there could also be first-team departures.

Football Insider revealed on 29 April that Aston Villa are prepared to sell Emiliano Martinez after he missed out on a move away last summer.

Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan are believed to be keeping a close eye on the goalkeeper’s situation and they could make moves to agree a deal.

Martinez came close to leaving Villa Park last year, and there is a growing feeling he could finally complete his exit is a significant offer arrives.