Unai Emery reunion mooted as part of Aston Villa summer transfer swap deal
AC Milan could propose a swap deal with Aston Villa in the January transfer window, reports in Italy suggest - and that could potentially involve Unai Emery being reunited with one of his former Villarreal players.
Milan have a number of wing options available to boss Paulo Fonseca, namely Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, with understudies Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor just behind those first choice options. The pair joined Milan from Villarreal and RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023 but their futures are already under the spotlight.
Swiss international Okafor has only scored once in 16 appearances so far this season, while Nigerian international Chukwueze - who Emery worked with at Villarreal - has three goals in 20 outings. Either player could leave in the January transfer window, but Milan are eager to ensure they remain well covered on the flanks and are looking at potential new recruits.
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Journalist Alessandro Jacobone claims that the Milan hierarchy are fans of Villa winger Jaden Philogene, who himself only returned to Villa Park in the summer having spent a year lighting up the Championship at Hull City. Emery sanctioned the move to trigger the release clause in the Tigers contract and bring him back ahead of fellow suitors Everton and Ipswich.
Philogene, who it must be remembered is still only 22, has played regularly this season - including completing 90 minutes in the famous win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League - but is yet to register his first goal contribution for the Lions' attack. A regular pick for the England under 21s, Philogene signed a five-year deal upon returning to Villa and is widely considered to be a player who can feature in the first team for years to come.
