Aston Villa are facing financial constraints in the transfer market, with the club unable to secure a move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal this summer. Sources have told Football Insider that the Spanish giants do not want to lose their academy product any time soon, and are set to place a significant valuation on him to ward off any interest.
What happened?
Aston Villa are preparing a £30million move for Marc Bernal, but it is understood that a fee of that level would not get close to Barcelona's true asking price. Instead, sources have indicated that Unai Emery and Co. are scouring the loan market to bolster their midfield ranks.
Why it matters for Aston Villa
Finances are tight once again at Villa Park, and the club are unable to splash big money on another midfielder, despite having Champions League football. Bernal made 33 appearances in all competitions last term, and is seen as a huge talent by Barcelona, who would only let him go for a premium price.
What comes next?
Villa have already spent big in their midfield this summer, with Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes arriving for a combined fee of over £80m. Despite the British-record sale of Morgan Rogers, that looks set to be effectively the full extent of the club's spending in the summer window, as they are once again constrained by SCR.
The Villans have already held talks over a season-long loan deal for the ex-Tottenham man, with Bayern Munich ready to move him out the door at all costs. Football Insider also revealed earlier this week that Emery and Co. remain the "frontrunners" to sign the Portuguese at the moment, despite Newcastle recently joining the race.
Villa are keen to include a purchase option as part of the deal, in order to push any potential fee later down the line. Sources: Joao Palhinha 'frontrunner' revealed as Newcastle plot Aston Villa hijack
Aston Villa are also preparing to accept an offer for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer, in order to help keep key centre-back Ezri Konsa. Inter Milan have been working on a deal for the shot-stopper all summer, while Arsenal have recently made another attempt to prise Konsa away.
Villa are planning to reluctantly make another big sale before the 1 September transfer deadline, and they would rather lose Martinez if given the choice. With that in mind, they will seriously consider any offers that come their way for the veteran gloveman, even if it leaves them with little time to secure a replacement.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Premier League, 65 pts, 19W-8D-11L from 38 games, recent form WWDLL. Goals this season: 56 scored, 49 conceded (+7 goal difference). Title race: 20 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Manchester City 1-2 Aston Villa (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 4W-1D-0L (WWWWD, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run. Currently sidelined: Amadou Onana, John McGinn.
