Villa Close In on Gallagher as Spurs Lurk; Malen Exit Looms

Aston Villa are edging closer to landing a former Chelsea midfielder as they plot their next move in January, with potential complications brewing from an unexpected quarter. Unai Emery's resurgent side have already recruited 19-year-old Brazilian winger Alysson from Gremio for roughly £10million and are keen to bolster their midfield credentials further.

The Midlands outfit sit third in the Premier League standings on 43 points, six behind leaders Arsenal and level with Manchester City. Their remarkable form—topping the table for a stretch between early November and mid-January—has been built on foundations of winning from losing positions and a resilience that saw them rattle off 11 consecutive victories across all competitions before stumbling at the Emirates on December 30. Recent victories over Nottingham Forest (3-1) and Tottenham in the FA Cup (2-1) have kept the momentum ticking over, though a goalless draw at Crystal Palace suggests the machine occasionally sputters.

Gallagher Talks Heat Up

Conor Gallagher has emerged as Villa's primary midfield target, with the 25-year-old England international currently at Atlético Madrid. The Spanish outfit and Villa are locked in advanced negotiations over a loan arrangement that would include an option to buy—potentially morphing into an obligation depending on agreed conditions. Both clubs are still working through remaining details, though a verbal agreement was reportedly reached on January 12.

The challenge? Spurs have now entered the fray. Following Rodrigo Bentancur's injury on Monday, Tottenham have made enquiries about Gallagher's availability and what terms might tempt Atlético Madrid. Several Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on developments and stand ready to table offers imminently.

Gallagher would slot naturally into Villa's engine room. Stylistically, he mirrors John McGinn—a tireless, box-to-box operator capable of playing across the middle or pushing higher up the pitch. The club's existing midfield options are formidable: Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara have been models of consistency, McGinn remains dependable, while Amadou Onana and Lamare Bogarde offer reserve depth. Yet Emery clearly believes there's room for one more.

The Harvey Elliott Factor

The Gallagher puzzle may hinge on Harvey Elliott's future. The 23-year-old playmaker arrived on loan from Liverpool last summer, but Villa opted against triggering a £35million permanent deal. Having featured for both clubs this season, Elliott's options are severely constrained. Emery has strategically limited his minutes to avoid triggering an appearance-based obligation clause that would force a permanent transfer.

Most likely, Elliott returns to Anfield when the loan expires, clearing space for Gallagher's arrival—potentially with a purchase option tucked into his own loan agreement.

Malen Headed Elsewhere

Donyell Malen appears destined for Serie A. The Dutch forward, signed from Borussia Dortmund for over £21million last January, is being discussed as a loan target by AS Roma, with a purchase option attached. An agreement is reportedly close, though personal terms remain to be finalised.

Malen has cut a peripheral figure this season, featuring 29 times but starting only 11 matches. His seven goals and two assists across all competitions represent decent output from limited opportunities, yet his exclusion from Villa's Champions League knockout squad last autumn sparked exit speculation. A fresh start in Italy could suit both parties.