Overview
- Aston Villa have completed the free signing of Germany international Leon Goretzka, the 31-year-old former Bayern Munich midfielder who becomes the club’s seventh signing of the window.
- Manager Unai Emery expects Goretzka to add experience to a midfield that was reshaped over the summer after the sale of Youri Tielemans and the long-term injury to Amadou Onana.
- Striker Nicolas Jackson has travelled to the Midlands for a medical and his arrival is expected to free up a move for Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal for a reported fee around £50 million.
- Villa have offered goalkeeper Emi Martinez to Chelsea and are considering sending Tammy Abraham to Ipswich on loan as they balance squad needs and finances.
- The club remains active ahead of the transfer deadline as it seeks a centre-back and a winger, including talks with AC Milan over Rafael Leao while facing competition from Galatasaray.