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3 transfers Aston Villa should complete this summer

By Sean Ackerman

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Aston Villa at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. James Ward-Prowse – Midfielder, Southampton

James Ward-Prowse is a player Aston Villa have been linked with in years past, and the Lions are reportedly targeting him once again this summer. The Englishman has scored 10 goals for Southampton in all competitions this season and has been a spotlight player for the club.

With Southampton heading to the EFL Championship next season, Ward-Prowse could be set to leave his boyhood club as his £100,000-per-week salary could be too expensive for the Saints.

Unfortunately for Villa, Ward-Prowse does not have a relegation release clause in his contract, so he will cost a hefty amount for any club if they wish to sign him. In 2021, Villa made a £25 million offer to Southampton that was rejected, and his price may have gone up since then.

The 28-year-old is attracting interest from West Ham and Tottenham alongside Aston Villa.

Ward-Prowse is considered one of the best free-kick takers in world football, and his lethal right foot could make the difference in close games for Aston Villa next season. The midfielder is in the 80+ percentile in expected goals and assists per 90, showing his creative impact on the field.

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