Aston Villa have had a very good season so far and are hoping to consolidate their position by signing new signings in 2026. Midfield is an area Unai Emery hopes to address, and in recent weeks a major target has been identified by club officials.
Emery already has Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans as defensive midfield options, but another is expected to arrive. As expected, he wants to use his extensive knowledge of Spanish football to his advantage by bringing one of La Liga’s most highly regarded centers to Villa Park.
Mikel Jauregizar attracts interest from Aston Villa
According to FootballFanCast, Aston Villa are interested in Athletic Club midfielder Mikel Jauregizar, who they hope to sign in January. The 22-year-old is seen as the ideal fit for Emery’s system, which is why a bid in the region of €60m (£52m) is being prepared by senior figures at Villa Park.
Jauregizar has been a standout performer for Athletic Club since breaking into the senior team during the 2023-24 season. Alongside Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, he is considered one of Bilbao’s stars, which is why it will not be easy for Aston Villa to secure his services.
It has been reported that Athletic Club are not prepared to allow Jauregizar to leave unless an “irresistible” offer is received. This could make it difficult for Aston Villa, given that Chelsea – who are also interested – could play more.
Should Aston Villa break the bank to sign Mikel Jauregizar?
It won’t be easy for Aston Villa to pay a hefty fee, given their well-documented PSR issues. Nonetheless, it is hoped that Jauregizar can still be signed, as he would be a fantastic addition to Emery’s squad.
