Aston Villa Are Eyeing AC Milan Attacker In The Summer: Will He Be The Right Choice For Unai Emery? | OneFootball

Aston Villa have strengthened their identity as a top club in the Premier League in the last few seasons. After the arrival of Unai Emery, the team’s playing style and results on the field have improved. The club are constantly improving their squad with an attempt to make a place in European competitions. Fans at Villa Park know that the club are no longer playing just to stay in the top half of the points table, but are moving towards bigger goals.

Last season, the team played aggressively, but the lack of width was clearly visible in some matches. The balance of pace and creativity on the right and left flanks was not always seen. So, Emery has been looking at this deficiency for a long time, and he is now looking for players who can play in more than one position. The club have already brought Evann Guessand, but the manager believes that more depth is needed on the wings.

Aston Villa want Alexis Saelemaekers

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 26: Alexis Saelemaekers of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese and AS Roma at Stadio Friuli on January 26, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Aston Villa are interested in signing AC Milan’s Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers. According to the report, the 26-year-old is not currently a key player in Milan’s plans, and the club could be open to a transfer. Villa could consider making a formal offer very soon.

Alexis Saelemaekers prefers to play primarily on the right flank but has the ability to play on either side. His pace, technical control and knack for helping out in defence by tracking back could fit into Emery’s tactics. Emery always prefers versatile players who can adapt quickly to the team’s rhythm.

Are Villa right to look at him as an option?

If the deal goes through, Aston Villa would get a player who would not only provide width in attack but also contribute to the defensive duties. Alexis’s experience and energy could come in handy in the fast-paced and physical play of the Premier League. Emery’s tactics value quick passing and runs from the flanks, and the Belgian winger could make an impact in that role.

Still, he will need to make an immediate impact, as there is no time to waste in the Premier League. If Emery uses him correctly, Alexis Saelemaekers could add balance to Villa’s attack and support the team’s European ambitions by making an impact in the Europa League next season.