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Aston Villa are weighing up an ambitious move for one of Europe’s most decorated midfielders as they prepare for another season among the continent’s elite.

Following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign under Unai Emery, the Midlands side are determined to strengthen their squad with experienced talent capable of making an impact both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League.

Villa enjoyed a memorable season, securing a top-four Premier League finish while also lifting the Europa League trophy, further highlighting the remarkable progress made since Emery took charge.

The Spaniard has transformed the club into genuine contenders, combining attractive football with consistent results, and the owners remain eager to back his ambitions in the transfer market.

With another demanding campaign on the horizon, Villa’s objective extends beyond simply qualifying for Europe’s premier competition.

They are aiming to compete with the continent’s strongest sides and make a deep run in the Champions League, making the addition of proven winners a key priority this summer.

One player who has emerged as a potential target is Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

The Croatian international boasts an outstanding CV, having lifted the Champions League four times during spells with Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Alongside those triumphs, he has collected league titles and numerous domestic honours, including Premier League success after joining Manchester City.

Despite his impressive achievements, Kovacic’s role at the Etihad Stadium has diminished.

Now 32, the midfielder made only six appearances last season, with injuries disrupting his campaign while increased competition for places also limited his opportunities.

The arrival of Enzo Maresca, coupled with City’s expected addition of Elliot Anderson, has further fuelled speculation that Kovacic could depart before the transfer window closes.

According to SportsBoom, Aston Villa are among the clubs closely monitoring the situation, with Nottingham Forest also expressing interest.

Both clubs are searching for an experienced midfielder who can bring leadership, composure and a winning mentality to the dressing room.

Manchester City are not actively trying to force Kovacic out, even though he has just one year remaining on his current contract.

However, there is believed to be an understanding that they would consider selling if a suitable offer arrives during the summer transfer window.

For Villa, Kovacic’s appeal stretches beyond his medal collection. His versatility could prove invaluable to Emery, who often rotates his midfield depending on the opposition.

Naturally a box-to-box midfielder, the Croatian has also demonstrated that he can operate effectively as a deeper-lying playmaker when required.

One standout example came during Manchester City’s victory over Chelsea in 2024, when Kovacic filled the holding midfield role in the absence of Rodri.

Not only did he successfully dictate the tempo of the match, but he also capped off an impressive display by scoring against his former club.

Former Liverpool midfielder and Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy was full of praise for Kovacic’s performance.

Murphy acknowledged the enormous challenge of replacing Rodri, widely regarded as the world’s finest defensive midfielder, yet felt the Croatian exceeded expectations.

He highlighted Kovacic’s intelligent movement, ability to control possession and willingness to play progressive passes rather than settling for simple distribution.

Murphy also praised his defensive discipline, noting how he anticipated danger, intercepted passes, recovered possession and consistently covered spaces across the pitch.

To complete an outstanding display, Kovacic surged beyond Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez before scoring, underlining both his technical quality and athleticism.

Performances like that explain why Aston Villa view him as an ideal addition, with his experience, adaptability and winning mentality potentially providing a significant boost as Emery’s side look to challenge on multiple fronts next season.