Aston Villa are reportedly plotting a move to sign AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Villa manager Unai Emery is looking to increase his options in midfield, following news that defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara suffered a devastating knee injury which will keep the Frenchman sidelined for the rest of the 2025–26 season.
Loftus-Cheek used to play a key role in Milan’s midfield, but since the appointment of Max Allegri, the former Chelsea man has struggled for consistent minutes, playing just 1,190 minutes in 23 matches across all competitions for the Rossoneri this term.
Milan could now be open to a permanent sale, as his contract expires in 2027, with Manchester United the other English club to inquire about the midfielder.
Villa were initially linked to Conor Gallagher, but were beaten to him by Tottenham, who signed him from Atletico Madrid for £34 million earlier this month. They would now look to sign Loftus-Cheek after missing out on Gallagher.
Serie A side Lazio have also been linked with him this winter, as Italian Maurizio Sarri targets a reunion with the midfielder following their time together at Chelsea.
However, Aston Villa would be confident of beating the competition when attracting targets with European football, with Emery’s side currently in the Europa League and on course for a return to Champions League football next season as they sit third in the Premier League.
While midfield reinforcement is the primary objective for Villa in this winter window, the English side are also expected to sign a new striker after parting ways with Donyell Malen.
Tammy Abraham has been linked with a move to Villa Park in a shock return to the Premier League, but there is also interest in Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.
