This 26-Year-Old Aston Villa Target Likely To Renew At His Club: Two Other Options Emery Can Go For | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s season has flickered between moments of energy and patches of inconsistency. Unai Emery hopefully feels a need to strengthen the flanks of his side. The Spaniard will need more width, more creativity in that position, and a player who can change games from the wings.

This chase has once again drawn Villa’s focus to Alexis Saelemaekers. They admired him in the summer but failed to bring him to Villa Park. Meanwhile, Monchi admitted earlier this year that the club’s move for Marco Asensio collapsed because of wage issues. Since then, Emery has wanted a wide player who fits his system even more.

Aston Villa target Alexis Saelemaekers is likely to stay at AC Milan

Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur reports that AC Milan plan to renew Saelemaekers’ contract until 2029. The new deal will keep the Belgian international at the club for the long term. The Rossoneri admire his form and influence, so they refuse to sell him.

Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United have all shown interest in recent weeks. Yet Milan’s decision to extend the 26-year-old’s stay will frustrate all three clubs. Emery still wants attacking reinforcements and must rethink his plans quickly.

Villa need more consistency and width. Saelemaekers was looking like a perfect fit for the team; a player who moves smoothly between roles as a winger, full-back, or attacking midfielder, but Milan plan to tie him down for another four years, which means the English clubs may miss out again.

What Should Villa Do Next?

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

If Aston Villa fail to sign Saelemaekers, then they must shift focus quickly. The Belgian’s versatility, energy, and creativity will challenge any replacement search, but Emery can still find the right option. He needs players who stretch the pitch, combine intelligence with hard work, and adapt easily to different positions.

Villa’s scouting team should now search for wingers or attacking midfielders who show awareness and a strong all-round game. Lee Kang-in is one option who fits that profile. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has flair, technical skill, and can adapt to the system. Emery values these traits highly.  Kenan Yildiz could be another smart choice. The young Juventus talent already attracts Premier League attention.

As Villa assess their options, they keep a close watch on Tottenham’s growing interest in Vasco da Gama’s rising gem Rayan. This interest suggests that January could bring heavy transfer activity.

The chase for Saelemaekers is fading fast, but Villa refuse to slow down. They must act quickly and find players who fit Emery’s plan. The question now is: who can step into this role to lift Villa’s attack? Fans, what do you think? Should Villa go for a young prospect like Yildiz or a proven player like Kang-in?