Villa face 'summer of moving parts'
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It remains as true now as it did before Saturday at Wembley that Aston Villa are in a far healthier position than could have been envisaged three or four years ago. It is also still entirely possible that this season will end with a great result – a Champions League place – as well as great memories of special days and nights.
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As urgently as Unai Emery and his players will be working towards their four remaining games though, the club will also be steeling for a summer that could take a number of routes.
It is no surprise that some of their stars are linked with moves away - but that need not be a major concern at this point.
Why not? Firstly, it always happens anyway. Whether speculation arises from a genuine enquiry, an enthusiastic agent, a viral tweet or – perish the thought – a journalist's comment piece, good players from good teams are always on the radar of clubs with money to spend. Seeing Villa's players 'linked' with other top clubs indicates only one thing for certain: that they are good players.
Equally, while only Villa themselves know for certain exactly how their numbers stand, there is a general sense the club still has to be mindful of PSR limits, although this season's Champions League takings will help. It logically follows that if a really substantial offer came in for almost any player, it would be worth weighing up.
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And why would that not be concerning? Nobody wants to lose a top player - but over recent years Villa have an impressive strike rate of recycling transfer money to find new stars – Morgan Rogers the best current example – and attracting players already considered in the top bracket, like Marco Asensio or Marcus Rashford. When new arrivals have not necessarily met all expectations, like Moussa Diaby, they have been moved on, and money recouped.
Wherever Villa finish, this could be a summer with a lot of moving parts. Clearly if they book a return to the Champions League, it will help in terms of spending power and in making Villa an attractive club to join or remain with.
But even if they fall short, there is good reason to think Monchi and his team will prepare another well-equipped squad for Emery by August.
Live commentary of Aston Villa v Fulham on BBC Radio WM (DAB/Freeview), Saturday 12:30 BST.
Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights
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