Unai Emery has specifically requested Aston Villa sign Racing Santander’s Gustavo Puerta this summer.
Aston Villa side are in the market for a new midfielder, after Youri Tielemans’ exit and Amadou Onana’s serious injury setback. The Premier League side have already signed João Gomes.
Earlier this month, Aston Villa director Damian Vidagany confirmed the need to sign a new midfielder because Onana is out long term.
Aston Villa focusing on Colombian
La FM in Colombia state the Europa League winners are now focusing on Gustavo Puerta.
After a loan spell at Hull City, Bayer Leverkusen sold the midfielder to Racing Santander last summer. He impressed in his debut season, playing 2,805 minutes from 34 matches.
The 23-year-old made his senior debut for Colombia in November 2025 and has been a regular since then. His performances at the World Cup caught the attention of a few clubs, including Aston Villa.
Unai Emery is leading his side’s pursuit, as the report states the player is the ‘direct request’ of the manager.
Aston Villa ready to meet fee demand
Earlier this month, we relayed news of Nottingham Forest holding talks to sign Gustavo Puerta. The Reds held initial discussions, without making further advances.
Villarreal and Zenit Saint Petersburg are among the South American’s suitors and a €16m bid from Bologna has been rejected.
With several clubs in the mix, Aston Villa are the ‘best positioned’. That’s because they are willing to meet Racing Santander’s demand to secure his services.
The Colombia international has three years left on his contract, and Transfermarkt value him at €18m. He has a €20m release clause and the Villans would be willing to pay this.
There’s no mention whether the player is open to moving to Villa Park this summer.
