Aston Villa are now expected to launch their move to sign Gabriel Sara ahead of Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Aston Villa expected to launch Sara move
The Villans still have plenty of work to do if they are to qualify for the Champions League this season, be it through winning the Europa League or securing a place in the top five. But that's not stopping them from shifting their attention to the summer transfer window.
Unai Emery, if Champions League football does return to Villa Park, will be well aware that his squad still needs added depth if they are to compete on all fronts - starting in midfield.
According to Turkish outlet Takvim, Aston Villa are now expected to launch their move to sign Sara from Galatasaray this summer. Those in the Midlands have set their sights on the Brazilian as they look to welcome key improvements, but it won't come cheap.
Reports have claimed that the midfielder will cost more than €40m (£35m) for any potential suitors, which could be an issue for the Villans if PSR issues persist in the coming months.
As for Sara himself, he's got quite the decision to make. It's not just Aston Villa who are interested. They may seem the most advanced at this stage, but interest from Tottenham and Atletico Madrid could yet spoil their chance to land the Champions League midfielder.
It's why securing a place among Europe's elite is the priority for those at Villa Park. It's an instant selling point that Tottenham will be unable to offer even if they avoid relegation this season.
£35m+ would be instant upgrade on Luiz
It's not a major surprise that Aston Villa are targeting a midfielder. At things stand, it seems unlikely that Douglas Luiz will return on a permanent basis after loan spell from Juventus and Sara would certainly be an upgrade on his compatriot at this stage of his career.
The 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers and likely to replace a midfielder who hasn't looked at his best since leaving Aston Villa the first time around in 2024.
A Premier League move has been on the cards since his Norwich City days and it was at Carrow Road that Sara earned impressive praise from former manager David Wagner, who said: "He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division - no one has a doubt about this. It's crystal clear."
Now, he could get the chance to step into the top flight courtesy of Emery and Aston Villa this summer, as they look to get one over on Tottenham.