Villa's midfield hole pushes Emery to chase Lavia from Chelsea

Aston Villa are weighing a move for Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia after a recent injury to Amadou Onana left a hole in their midfield, with manager Unai Emery saying the Belgian has impressed him and a budget of €35 million (£29 m) reportedly being discussed.

Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, have already made their stance clear, indicating they are not looking to sell Lavia. The two Premier League clubs have already completed several transfers between them this summer. Alejandro Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson joined Villa, while Morgan Rogers and Emi Martinez moved to Chelsea.

Lavia is now believed to be on the Villans’ radar, continuing the pattern of regular dealings. Fussball News reports the Midlanders are seriously considering signing the Belgian midfielder. Following Amadou Onana’s injury, Villa are keen to broaden their midfield options, and Emery has been particularly impressed with Lavia.

Aston Villa eye Chelsea midfielder Lavia amid fee debate

Deal details and budget

Villa scouts have reportedly been tracking the Chelsea man’s progress over recent weeks. A fee of €35 million (£29 m) is said to be under discussion, which appears low for a player of his profile. Chelsea’s reluctance to sell suggests Villa’s chances are slim, although the club is said to be preparing for possible talks.

Negotiations and player stance

Intermediaries are reportedly holding discussions, even though no direct club‑to‑club negotiations have begun. Lavia is described as ‘generally comfortable’ at Stamford Bridge and does not wish to force a transfer. Regular starting‑XI appearances could tempt him to consider an exit, according to the report. However, he has featured more this season than any other Chelsea midfielder, so playing time would not change dramatically at Villa.

After earlier fitness struggles, Lavia is now entering a consistent run of form. FotMob rates show he earned a 7.2 in the draw with Liverpool, an 8.9 and an assist in the 2‑0 win over Manchester United, both within his last three games. Given his recent form, it seems unlikely he would abandon the Blues. Meanwhile, rumours link Chelsea with Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara, but Villa are unwilling to sell, making both potential deals appear improbable.