Unai Emery should be able to cope with Aston Villa’s current attacking options for the rest of the season after failing to sign a winger in January, Dean Jones has claimed.
What’s the word?
Villa targeted a winger during the January transfer window, with Arnaut Danjuma linked with a move, but they ended the month without signing one.
Emery had stated his desire to add one to the squad, but only managed to complete the signings of left-back Alex Moreno and young centre-forward Jhon Duran, with Danny Ings leaving for West Ham United.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones claimed that although it was a risk not to land a player in Emery’s desired position, the Spaniard has enough options in his squad to see the rest of the season out.
“It’s a risk, because it was the area that was identified by Unai Emery as needing improvement and he has even spoken about that publicly, that they were looking for a specific-style winger.
“They haven’t managed to get it done [but] it’s not like this is a team that lacks attacking options – they’ve got loads. So it should be something that he’s able to fix from within.”
Enough depth
Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey, Philippe Coutinho, Emi Buendia and even Ollie Watkins are capable of playing on the wings, so Villa should have enough depth to last them the season.
We think a winger should be prioritised in the summer, and they may need some outgoings to make space for a quality addition. Coutinho could leave to make room for a star winger who could elevate Villa’s attack to another level.
The Brazilian is yet to start in the Premier League under Emery and is one of Villa’s top earners (as per FBref), so the Spaniard could see a twofold benefit if he is able to secure the attacking talent he desires.
Villa are improving under Emery, but with no cup competitions to compete in this season, a winger was a deal that could wait until the end of the campaign, rather than an urgent priority now.
