Aston Villa duo Unai Emery and Monchi have held discussions with Barcelona chiefs over the possibility of transfers this summer, and left feeling they could land Ronald Araujo.
Reports in Spain state the Villa pair enjoyed an amicable chat with members of the Barcelona board amid their match against Valencia and discussed a number of names. The gathering was held ahead of the Villans confirming their Champions League position, which it is claimed they noted an offer for Araujo could be dependent on.
Emery and sporting director Monchi are attempting to reinforce their squad for next term's campaign in Europe's premier competition. Araujo could prove to be one answer, and despite Villa's confidence a deal is possible, it will not come cheaply.
Qualification for the Champions League will see a boost to the finances of the Midlands club, but with a £68million fee touted for the Uruguay international more may be required. Emery may already be preparing for one departure from his side.
Villa need to maintain their compliance with profit and sustainability rules, and are said to be open to offers for Diego Carlos. The 31-year-old arrived for £26m two years ago and has a further two years remaining on his £100,000-a-week deal. Loanees Clement Lenglet and Nicolo Zaniolo are set to return to Barcelona and Galatasaray respectively after completing their loan moves.
Emery believes that Villa can continue to compete at the top of the Premier League. He said: "When I arrived here, my conversations with [owners] Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens were about winning trophies and getting Europe. To get there you have to be competitive.
"Even if we don’t have the budget, we have to be intelligent and clinical in our decisions. This is still my objective. We are in the Champions League and we want to keep it. It is our challenge."
"It is a dream," he added. "It is very difficult. When we were at the beginning of the season playing two matches against City and Arsenal, we won both matches. We were there.
"Those teams are amazing with consistency. I want to get better and I have my dreams and I believe in my dreams. Of course my objectives is to win the Premier League or the Champions League."
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