Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Sun 19 April 2026 9:15, UK

Aston Villa are beginning to look ahead to the summer transfer window, with Champions League football now looking very likely.

The Villans missed out on Europe’s premier competition on the final day last term, as they fell to defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

This season, Unai Emery’s side have worked tirelessly to correct that, with the B6 outfit even fighting league leaders Arsenal and Manchester City over the festive period.

After a poor run throughout February and early March, Villa have sorted their form out in recent weeks, with a sizeable gap to Chelsea in sixth.

With the Europa League title also on the line over the course of the next month, Emery will be looking to finish the season strongly before bolstering his squad over the summer months.

Curtis Jones is of interest to Aston Villa

The Villans have struggled for depth in midfield this term, with Douglas Luiz brought in at the end of the January transfer window, with all three of Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and John McGinn sidelined at that time.

With this in mind, Alan Nixon reports that the Midlanders are among the clubs interested in securing the signature of Curtis Jones this summer, who has struggled for starts at Liverpool this season.

Nixon reports that the Liverpool academy graduate could leave Anfield this summer, alongside fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Arne Slot previously admitted that there will have to be some trading ahead of next season, while the pair will be happy to oblige if the move is right.

With Mac Allister reportedly favouring a move abroad, Jones is said to be admired by both Villa and Tottenham ahead of the summer.

Evann Guessand move on the cards despite injury woes

The current campaign has been a huge waste for Evann Guessand, who made the switch to Villa Park last summer after a sensational time in Ligue 1 with Nice.

Systematic issues restricted the Ivorian forward under Emery, with the versatile attacker operating in a role completely different to the freedom handed to him in France.

This resulted in an underwhelming period in claret and blue, before he was loaned to Crystal Palace in January.

After a bright start in South London, Guessand would be ruled out for up to a month, meaning that he is unlikely to meet the appearance figure that would trigger his permanent signing.

As reported by Nixon on his Patreon, the Eagles are keen to secure his signature permanently.

With a goal and an assist across six Palace appearances, the 24-year-old has already doubled his goal contributions, while a move makes complete sense for all parties after his failed stint in the Midlands.