Rashford signs, Chelsea agreement and PSG loan - Aston Villa's dream end to transfer window
Aston Villa have two days left to complete their winter transfer business before the 11pm deadline on Monday night.
Monchi has so far recruited two new players for Unai Emery's squad, Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund and Andres Garcia from Levante. The pair cost a combined £26m, while Villa have taken in around £100m in sales following the departures of Jaden Philogene, Diego Carlos and Jhon Duran.
Al-Nassr's £65m deal for Duran puts Villa in a strong financial position to conduct business before tomorrow night, but they will use a chunk of that cash to aid their financial position regarding the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. Loan moves have been their focus in recent days and they're close to making two new additions.
READ MORE: Aston Villa agree next transfer after Marcus Rashford as medicals due
READ | Aston Villa have perfect Marcus Rashford welcome gift after major transfer breakthrough
READ | Aston Villa agree next transfer after Marcus Rashford as medicals due
Here's a look at what business Villa could complete in the final days of the window...
Rashford signs on with a permanent option
Villa are set to complete the loan capture of Macrus Rashford from Manchester United, with an option to buy included in the deal. Significant progress was made in talks between the two clubs in the last 48 hours after Rashford signalled his interest in joining.
The fact that Villa can offer Rashford Champions League football is a big plus for the player, while Emery’s side are also still in contention of finishing in the top five this term, which would likely secure Champions League football next season too. Failing that, Villa will be hopeful of competing in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League, a competition they were knocked out of at the semi-final stage last term.
Rashford had preferred a move to Barcelona earlier in the window, but the Spanish giants admitted defeat in their pursuit due to their financial position and a lack of space in their squad to register him. The United academy graduate has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, with the former Sporting boss previously suggesting that he was not giving maximum effort. The Portuguese later clarified on Wednesday that it was nothing personal.
Asensio completes loan from PSG
Villa are also set to take Marco Asensio on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The Spaniard was targeted by Emery in the summer of 2023, but he opted to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer instead.
Asensio is not viewed as an important member of Luis Enrique's squad and is therefore available for loan on the right terms. If the former Real Madrid was to join, then Emery would have an embarrassment of riches in the forward areas of the pitch.
Rashford and Jacob Ramsey are excellent options off the left, while Asensio would likely compete with Morgan Rogers to operate in the number 10 role behind Ollie Watkins. That said, either could also play from the right, with the likes of John McGinn, Leon Bailey and £20m January arrival Donyell Malen all options there too.
Disasi bolsters defensive options
More important than adding further depth to the attack, it's paramount that Villa sign a centre-back to finally replace Diego Carlos. The Brazilian didn't feature at all last month despite only leaving last week.
Chelsea had put the breaks on Axel Disasi's loan move to Villa earlier this week, but Monachi is still pushing to get that deal done. Tottenham are also interested in the France international despite agreeing a deal with RC Lens to sign Kevin Danso.
Disasi accepted a move to Villa earlier this week and wants to link up with Emery for the remainder of the campaign. Villa are wary of spending big on any player in the final days of the winter window, knowing that they could be overpaying.
Plus, in the summer, they will have more options to fulfil exactly what Emery wants, rather than recruiting from a limited pool of candidates.
