Aston Villa's transfer plans are taking shape, with a new link to Italian youth international Issa Doumbia emerging on Monday. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to 15 possible arrivals and 7 potential exits. The hottest storyline right now revolves around Conor Gallagher, but below is the latest news on some of the most important transfer rumours surrounding the club.
Issa Doumbia
Aston Villa are interested in Venezia's 22-year-old midfielder Issa Doumbia, but the Serie B club is firmly opposed to his departure this month as they pursue promotion. This season, Doumbia has contributed 2 goals and 3 assists in 19 league appearances. His contract runs until June 2029, and he is also of interest to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, and Southampton. The player joined Venezia in July 2024 for a reported €1.0 million, and the club reportedly rejected a bid from Southampton in August 2025 worth €6 million plus add-ons. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value at €6.5 million.
Conor Gallagher
According to AS on Monday, several Premier League clubs are interested in Conor Gallagher, with Aston Villa being the first to start conversations. The report adds that Atlético de Madrid is only open to a permanent deal and has no intention of letting him leave on loan. Separately, The Mirror reported that Gallagher is interested in Villa's offer and is seriously considering a return to the Premier League. A fee of approximately £35 million is reportedly enough to persuade Atletico to negotiate. According to The Mirror, Gallagher is attracted to Villa’s project and top-level coaching. On Saturday, a TEAMtalk expert confirmed Villa have a belief they can sign the 25-year-old this month, following talks between the player and Diego Simeone in December. Dean Jones stated that Gallagher’s high wages are a potential issue, while TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey said Villa’s PSR situation has improved and the primary issue will be the trigger for an obligation to buy.
Tammy Abraham
On Sunday, it was reported that Roma are willing to allow Tammy Abraham to return to England this month, with Aston Villa among the interested clubs to have confirmed their interest during talks. According to sources, Abraham is a high-priority target for Villa. However, any move is complicated by his current loan at Besiktas, who have an option to make the move permanent and would require compensation to terminate the deal early. A report in The Telegraph noted the loan includes an £11.2m purchase option and the player's weekly wages are £115,000. The same report mentioned that Unai Emery had been interested in signing Abraham in the summer of 2023 before an ACL injury prevented a move.
Douglas Luiz
According to a Tuttosport report on Saturday, Juventus is considering interrupting Douglas Luiz's loan at Nottingham Forest to then loan him to another English club. The report states that Aston Villa is a possible destination, as the club and coach Unai Emery have good memories of the player. Other mid-level clubs could also be interested.
Max Cleworth
Recent social media rumours on Saturday suggested Aston Villa had made a £12 million bid to sign Max Cleworth. However, manager Phil Parkinson stated he had not heard that at all and that Cleworth is very much part of their plans, explaining his recent absence from the squad was due to a groin problem. Wrexham CEO Mike Williamson said the club's answer to selling Cleworth would be that he is not for sale, but acknowledged that in such situations it would probably come down to the player's wishes.
Danilho Doekhi
According to 'kicker' on Friday, Aston Villa is also very interested in Union Berlin's Danilho Doekhi. The 27-year-old Dutch centre-back has entered the last six months of his contract, and an extension appears to be excluded. Union Berlin reportedly wants 13 million euros for an early departure. It is considered possible that the player's cousin, Lamare Bogarde, being at Aston Villa could influence negotiations. Leeds United are also showing interest in the defender, whose market value is estimated by Transfermarkt at €13 million.
Omar Marmoush
Sky Germany reported on Friday that Omar Marmoush has no plans to leave Man City in January, amid rumours of interest from Aston Villa. Earlier in the week, TEAMtalk reported that Villa was the most recent Premier League club to show interest and was closely tracking his situation. However, Manchester City is reportedly unwilling to consider any mid-season departure, viewing him as a long-term asset. A transfer is also complicated by his current involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.
For all the latest news, be sure to check our Aston Villa club page.
