‘Jesús Rodriguez transfer to cost Aston Villa £30m’ amid Fabrizio Romano news
Unai Emery is set to revamp his forward line as Aston Villa focus on bringing in young players.
The Spanish manager will not have the same luxury of signing established players like Marco Asensio this summer, with 18-year-old Zepiqueno Redmond set to be the first arrival of this transfer window.
Monchi and Co. have been tasked with lowering the wage bill to elude financial penalties, and are already working to offload high-earners such as Philippe Coutinho.
Emery will look to compensate for further departures of key forwards, with Jesús Rodríguez emerging as the latest target.
Villa open talks with Real Betis about transfer for Rodríguez
Leon Bailey’s likely departure has amplified Emery’s need for a wide player, and as reported by Fabrizio Romano on Friday (13 June), Villa have begun talks with Real Betis about a move for Rodríguez.
The winger is the latest talent to emerge from Andalusia and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini last season.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
| La Liga | 21 | 2 | 1 | 1,120′ |
| Conference League | 8 | 1 | – | 411′ |
| Copa del Rey | 3 | – | 1 | 208′ |
The Spain Under-21 international featured in all but one La Liga match in the second half of last season as Betis climbed to a respectable sixth-place finish in the table.
And ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes Emery will be well aware of the talented player’s development and expects the club to be able to bring the 19-year-old to the Midlands for £30million this summer.
“Emery will know this player,” King said.
“Obviously, Emery has identified that this is a player he wants to bring in. He seems like quite an exciting player, and I imagine he will cost around £30m.
“Emery must know him, because he comes from a similar area. There’s no danger of not knowing the player, and if Emery and his staff see him as a replacement for someone like Bailey, then he’s at a good age to make this move.”
Emery is experiencing an unexpected rebuild
Two seasons ago, Villa looked on course to form a formidable team ready to peak around this time in Emery’s tenure and only needing minor adjustments.
However, the Claret and Blues are now set for a large overhaul to the squad, likely leaving their 53-year-old with a new-look side short lacking in Premier League experience.
The Spaniard would not have expected to have to forge another team so soon, and will hope the fanbase can afford him the patience to see the new project through as he builds up players like Rodríguez.