Sam Stone

Sun 29 January 2023 14:30, UK

It’s been a relatively quiet January window for Aston Villa with Jhon Duran and Alex Moreno the only arrivals so far at Villa Park.

However, there are still three days remaining in the window – and there are certainly some areas of Unai Emery’s squad which need improving before it reaches its conclusion.

A number of clubs are still looking to complete much of their business and that could lead to plenty of moves being finalised within the next three days.

Here Villa News takes a look at three priorities for the Spaniard to consider ahead of what could be a busy deadline day up and down the country.

Striker

The departure of Danny Ings was somewhat surprising. The former Southampton man has proven himself to be an excellent goalscorer wherever he has been in recent years, and it was somewhat of a gamble from the Villans to cash in on a player of his pedigree, despite his age.

Duran has joined the club, but he’s still very much at a developmental stage in his career and it’s unrealistic to assume he will be the adequate replacement for Ings in Villa’s forward line. Therefore, another forward to compete with Ollie Watkins should probably be on the agenda for the Villans.

Sadly, there have been no notable transfer links to any out-and-out strikers since Ings’ departure, which could lead indicate that the Villa boss is content with Duran and Watkins as his striking options at present. The striker hunt is certainly one to keep an eye on come deadline day.

Winger

Now, a winger is probably the most likely position to be filled as we edge closer to the January deadline. Leon Bailey has been impressive since Emery’s arrival, but he’s probably the Villans’ only natural wide man and he’s been playing predominantly in a central role in recent weeks.

It’s clear Emery is eager to add another winger to his ranks after speculation in recent weeks. The Daily Mail’s Dominic King has claimed (via Twitter, 24 January) Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams and Betis forward Luiz Henrique are both targets. Both players operate in wide areas and would certainly give Emery’s side greater depth.

Gerard Deulofeu has also been linked with a move to Villa Park, although an injury means he’s likely to stay at Udinese, for now. Considering recent transfer links, and their frequency, it would not be a surprise to see another winger come through the door before the window comes to a close.

Midfield

Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz have formed an imperious partnership at the heart of the Villans’ midfield and it seems unlikely a player will be coming to replace either of them. However, added depth could still be required – particularly after Morgan Sanson’s departure to Strasbourg.

L’Equipe report (22 January) that Villa are still in pursuit of Matteo Guendouzi and this is a move which has been rumbling on for some time. The 23-year-old is still relatively young despite having seemingly been playing first-team football for a number of years.

The Frenchman would be a superb addition to push Luiz and Kamara at the heart of Villa’s midfield – and if a move is possible, Emery should be looking to get a deal over the line.

In other Aston Villa news, James Maddison is one to watch for the Villans in their next game.