Aston Villa's pursuit of Matias Soule may indicate new transfer policy as Unai Emery future-proofs side

Aston Villa’s interest in Roma’s Matias Soule could signal a new transfer direction at Villa Park.

With Donyell Malen’s move to the Stadio Olimpico expected to be completed this summer, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Villans are interested in Argentine attacker Soule, who could head in the opposite direction.

Unai Emery and his side have a big week ahead, with a return to the Champions League and the hope of sealing Europa League qualification by next Sunday.

With that in mind, the Midlanders will be aiming to make even more progress in the years ahead after playing consistent continental football since Emery’s arrival in 2022.

Looking ahead to the summer, Villa’s interest in Soule highlights just how ambitious they are as they look to further disrupt the established elite.

Matias Soule would be an ambitious signing for Aston Villa

Graduating from the Juventus academy, Soule was seen as one of the core cogs in a young core coming through the Bianconeri system, alongside current Juve star Kenan Yildiz.

Though after a successful loan spell with Frosinone, the financial issues at the Turin giant would see him sold to Roma in 2024.

Scoring 11 times and registering three assists as Frosinone were relegated at the end of the 2023–24 season, the attacking midfielder cemented his place as one of the most exciting youngsters in Serie A.

Now 23, he has not had the most consistent spell at Roma in terms of output, but he has begun to play an increasingly important role after inheriting something of a free role from the ageing Paulo Dybala.

Stylistically, the Argentine is always looking to make something happen, whether through his ball-carrying ability or his creative instincts in and around the box.

Excellent with the ball at his feet, Soulé is fantastic in tight spaces, while his wand of a left foot has made him a major threat from set pieces and in dangerous areas. His numbers should only improve as he continues to develop.

Unai Emery to begin future-proofing Aston Villa

In past transfer windows, Villa have hardly covered themselves in glory, with the previous summer window leaving Emery somewhat hamstrung heading into the season, prompting the September departure of Monchi.

Now, the interest in Soule could indicate a shift to a more youth-centred approach - something that will prove crucial as the Villans look to build the next generation of stars, with the current squad not exactly being on the younger side.

Emery’s squad remains largely the same as the one he inherited in 2022 and is in desperate need of a refresh if he is to continue guiding the club to the Champions League.

A return to Europe’s premier competition would be a huge statement, and signings of Soule’s ilk would only strengthen the image of Aston Villa as one of the most attractive destinations for players across the continent.

With a solid core already in place, the next step is to bring in players who can help lay the foundations for the next generation at Villa Park.