Aston Villa are reportedly considering a move for Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha as the club braces for Jhon Durn's imminent transfer to Al-Nassr, expected to be finalised on Thursday. Durn's departure has prompted Villa to seek reinforcements in their attacking line, particularly to support Ollie Watkins, who has garnered interest from Arsenal. However, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are set to host Villa this Saturday, are keen to retain Cunha, viewing him as a crucial asset in their battle against relegation. The club is optimistic that Cunha will agree to a new contract, extending his stay at Molineux.
In addition to pursuing Cunha, Villa are actively searching for a direct replacement for Durn. Despite Arsenal's reported interest, Villa have shown no intention of parting with Watkins, who has been the subject of a bid estimated at around £60 million. Durn has enjoyed a prolific season, netting 12 goals in 29 appearances, and is expected to join the Saudi Pro League club for an initial fee of approximately £65 million. His contributions this season, including a vital goal against Bayern Munich in October, highlight his significance to the team.
Villa swiftly rejected Arsenal's initial offer for Watkins, although manager Unai Emery has not entirely dismissed the possibility of the striker leaving before Monday's transfer deadline. "Every player can be in the market in case it is good for the player, for the club and for the team," Emery remarked following Villa's qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday. "But to get this deal, of course, we are going to be very demanding. And Watkins is our striker."
Emery has also expressed interest in Portuguese forward João Félix, although the feasibility of a move remains uncertain. Félix transferred to Chelsea from Atlético Madrid for approximately £42 million last summer amid significant interest from Villa, but he has previously indicated reservations about a potential switch to the Midlands.
As Villa prepare for knockout stage matches against teams such as Sporting CP, Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, or Atalanta, the club is optimistic about finalising a deal for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, following a failed attempt to sign Sevilla's Loïc Badé due to personal terms. Additionally, Villa are considering Villarreal's Juan Foyth to bolster their defensive options, particularly in light of injuries to Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres.
The club is also monitoring Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling, although speculation is growing that he may prefer a move to the Bundesliga at the end of the season. The 18-year-old, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, has attracted interest from Tottenham, Newcastle, and several German clubs, including RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund.
Emery has expressed his disappointment regarding Durn's potential departure, stating, "I was so, so close with him, trying to work with him and his development but the players have their own objectives, ambitions, [and] sometimes they are impatient and if he is leaving it is because he prefers to do another way in his career. We are different people, different persons, with different objectives. We have to respect it."
In a separate development, Villa's Australian goalkeeper Joe Gauci has joined Barnsley on loan, further indicating the club's strategic approach to player development and squad management.