The clever free transfer that would make Aston Villa much stronger this summer

Aston Villa may have an important summer ahead as Unai Emery’s side aim to build on a strong season, though with work yet to be done to achieve their targets.

The Villans spent a large portion of the campaign in third place but recent results have seen Manchester United leapfrog them, while a 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea put a major dent in Villa’s hopes of nailing down a top four spot.

Emery’s side will hope to battle their way to Champions League qualification, which would hugely help the club’s summer transfer business. Firstly regarding the future of Morgan Rogers, who may be heavily targeted for a transfer by Premier League rivals, but also in terms of the Villans’ spending power to bring players in.

One top target this summer looks set to be available for nothing, though, and Villa should look to get to the front of the queue for a potentially transformative signing.

Aston Villa should go all-out to secure Harry Wilson signing

Aston Villa’s lack of creativity has been an issue at times in recent weeks and the addition of Fulham star man Harry Wilson this summer might be the key to solving the Villans’ problems.

Wilson is expected to become one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer with his Cottagers contract set to expire, and all the signs at present are pointing to the Welshman opting to move onto pastures new rather than signing new terms in west London.

The 28-year-old is in the prime of his career and would improve most sides in the top flight at present, after a stellar season where he has bagged nine goals and six assists in the league and is primed to reach double figures in Premier League goals for the first time.

Several clubs have been linked, from Everton to ambitious Wrexham and even Wilson’s former club Liverpool, but Villa are believed to be towards the front of the queue at present and should do all they can to secure a move for the winger.

Wilson could be the forward player Villa are crying out for

Villa have a distinct lack of wide options in their squad at present and a move for Wilson would undoubtedly go a long way to resolving that issue, while also offering help to – or even a replacement for – Morgan Rogers from a creative standpoint.

Leon Bailey has come in from the cold since being recalled from his loan spell at Roma and Jadon Sancho has also started frequently for Emery’s side from Wilson’s natural position on the right wing. Neither player are thought to have a long-term future at Villa Park and Wilson could make that position his own, with his pinpoint finishing from all angles a key weapon for whoever signs him this summer.

Wilson has several years of Premier League experience under his belt and is ready to arrive and make an impact at his next club, while he would see Villa as a clear step up from mid-table Fulham, which is a perfect balance for the Birmingham outfit as they identify transfer targets.

It goes without saying that signing one of the top flight’s in-form players and most potent attackers of the season on a free transfer would be a huge coup for any club – and Villa will hope that they are the ones who can get a deal over the line for his signature.