Aston Villa’s summer transfer window continues to gather momentum, with Unai Emery’s side heavily linked with several targets ahead of their Champions League campaign.
One of the most pressing situations involves Roma attacker Matias Soule, who has reportedly expressed a clear preference to join Aston Villa if he departs the Italian club.
According to La Roma 24, Roma have just five days remaining to raise the funds required before the June 30 financial compliance deadline.
The Italian club reportedly need to generate around £52 million before that cutoff, with Soule identified as one of the players who could be sold to meet that figure.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this month that the 23-year-old Argentine winger is keen on a move to Villa Park should he leave Roma this summer.
Reports in Italy have repeatedly suggested player sales are required before June 30 to comply with FFP regulations, placing the club under significant pressure to act quickly.
Growing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs has complicated matters, with Saudi Arabia’s financial muscle providing Roma with alternative suitors for the “entertaining” young attacker.
Despite that competition from the Middle East, Soule’s personal preference for Aston Villa could prove decisive in any negotiations over the coming days.
The Argentine racked up 11 goal contributions last season, underlining the quality that has attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe and beyond.
Manu Kone is another Roma player who could be sold alongside Soule as the club scramble to resolve their financial situation before the end-of-month deadline.
Villa’s ability to move quickly may be boosted by their own potential departures, with Morgan Rogers attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, with a fee of up to £100 million reported for the England international.
Emery’s side are operating under PSR and FFP constraints of their own, meaning any significant incomings may depend on first generating funds through outgoings this window.
Villa have also been linked with Flamengo full-back Emerson Royal, with Fabrizio Romano and other sources confirming talks are underway following a rumoured £8 million bid.
With Roma’s clock ticking and Soule’s preference for Villa clear, the next five days could prove pivotal in determining where the young Argentine ends up next season.