In an attempt to improve the squad during the transfer window, Aston Villa made a beeline to secure the signature of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid.
Unai Emery’s men appeared to jump to the top of the list in terms of potential options for the Englishman, with the player even wanting a move to the West Midlands.
However, despite a loan with a permanent option being discussed, a deal was hijacked by Tottenham Hotspur, with Thomas Frank’s men securing a £34m deal for his services.
After such a move was completed, it has left the Villans hierarchy hunting for alternatives to improve the squad this window, but it remains to be seen how much the club will have to spend this month.
During their recent hunt for potential new additions, numerous options have been considered by the board, which has led to multiple players being touted with a move to join Emery’s men.
Aston Villa targeting move to sign £17m sensation
Over the last couple of days, Villa have been just one of multiple Premier League clubs offered a deal this winter to land AC Milan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Englishman has only started eight Serie A games this campaign, which could open the door for a potential return to England’s top-flight after previously plying his trade for Chelsea.
The Italian side are open to allowing the 29-year-old to depart on loan with an option to buy in the summer, which could allow for a way around any PSR issues.
However, Loftus-Cheek isn’t the only option on the hierarchy’s radar at present, with Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos a player that could also make a move to the West Midlands.
According to one Spanish outlet, Emery is keen on a reunion with the Spanish midfielder this window after previously utilising him during his time as Arsenal manager.
The report states that the LaLiga outfit see the 29-year-old as a valuable squad option, but they would be willing to do a deal for his signature should an offer of €20m (£17m) be made this window.
It also goes on to confirm that with his contract expiring in the summer of 2027, the Spanish giants could be forced to cash in on his services to avoid losing him for nothing.
Why Ceballos would be perfect for Abraham at Villa
Alongside a new midfielder, Villa have also been hunting for a new attacking option, after Donyell Malen’s move to join Serie A side Roma was confirmed on Friday.
As a result, the club have set their sights on a fairytale return for striker Tammy Abraham, with the player appearing open on a return to Villa Park after previously spending a year on loan back in 2018/19.
However, despite Roma also being open to offloading the 28-year-old, a move could take time, with negotiations needing to be completed with Turkish side Besiktas.
Abraham is currently spending the year on loan with the Super Lig outfit, with a deal having an obligation to buy, which explains why such a deal is taking longer than expected.
However, his tally of seven goals in 17 league appearances showcases his quality in the final third, with a move for Ceballos undoubtedly aiding the Englishman at Villa Park.
When delving into the midfielder’s underlying stats from this season, he’s produced numerous impressive figures that could aid the talisman should a move be completed.
Ceballos, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 94% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst making 10.7 progressive passes per 90.
|
Dani Ceballos – LaLiga stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
11 |
|
Minutes played |
367 |
|
Pass accuracy |
94% |
|
Progressive passes |
10.7 |
|
Passes into final third |
7.6 |
|
Progressive carries |
1.4 |
|
Take-on success |
70% |
|
Carries into final third |
3.2 |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
Such numbers highlight his incredible ball-playing ability, with such tallies undoubtedly falling perfectly into the path of Abraham should the pair both complete their respective moves.
He’s also completed 7.6 progressive carries into the final third per 90 this campaign, which once again reaffirms his talents when having the ball at his feet in the middle of the park.
Ceballos’ talents are further demonstrated in his 70% take-on success rate and 2.2 carries into the final third per 90 – which could also allow him to go for goal on his own.
£17m for a player of his talent and experience is a superb deal in today’s market, with Emery once again having the opportunity to work with his compatriot once again.
The prospect of Ceballos operating alongside Abraham in the West Midlands is certainly one to be excited about, with the duo able to maintain the Villans’ unlikely Premier League title fight.
Better signing than Gallagher: Aston Villa open talks to sign £87m star
The seriously exciting youngster could prove to be a far better signing than Gallagher for Aston Villa.
