Villa close to signing Germany midfielder Goretzka

What the report says

Aston Villa are close to signing Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, according to BBC Sport Football. The 31-year-old is available after leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, and the club have reportedly held positive talks with him. Villa manager Unai Emery has been seeking additional midfield depth, with Amadou Onana sidelined until next year because of a knee injury sustained while on Belgium duty at the World Cup.

BBC Sport Football says Villa had also been targeting Joao Palhinha, another former Bayern midfielder, but he is expected to join Benfica instead. Goretzka would arrive with significant top-level experience, having made 312 appearances for Bayern, scored 51 goals and won seven league titles plus the Champions League in 2020. He also has 73 caps for Germany and played three matches at this summer’s World Cup.

The move would come during a busy summer for Villa, who have already seen several senior players depart. The BBC report notes that Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have all left the club in recent weeks. Emery also did not fully rule out more change before the transfer deadline, including possible interest in striker Ollie Watkins. Villa begin their Premier League season away to Brighton on Sunday.