Unai Emery hoping Aston Villa avoid repeating 'troubles' of last summer | OneFootball

Unai Emery hopes for a smoother summer as Aston Villa aim to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty that hindered their start.

Villa did not win any of their first six matches after a window constrained by Premier League and UEFA financial rules. They then surged to fourth place and lifted the Europa League, ending a 30-year wait for a major trophy. According to ExpressAndStar.com, Emery wants momentum without the same off-field disruption.

He remains mindful they are competing with rivals who can spend more. He said Villa must keep within financial rules and is hopeful there will be less uncertainty this time. Emery felt their top-five finish underlined the project and urged supporters to pair ambition with perspective.

This will be the first summer since Roberto Olabe replaced Monchi as president of football operations. Olabe, previously Real Sociedad’s sporting director, earned a reputation for identifying outstanding young talent and will look to replicate that work at Villa.

Paris Saint-Germain’s teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye is among the targets as Emery seeks more pace in his forward line. He also wants a midfielder and a defender who can cover right centre-back and right-back.

Villa have opted against triggering the £23 million option to buy for Douglas Luiz, who will return to parent club Juventus.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com