'We will not rest' - Unai Emery issues Aston Villa summer transfer plea

Forward Evann Guessand, who was an unused sub in their 0-0 opening day draw against Newcastle on Saturday, has been their only big money arrival this summer.

Meanwhile, Jacob Ramsey departed for Premier League rivals Newcastle in a deal which could eventually be worth £44million. 

Villa will receive an initial £39m, with a possible further £5m in add-ons. Ramsey's sale will help them comply with UEFA financial fair play rules, although they're not expected to be able reinvest much of those funds in the current transfer window. 

Nonetheless, Emery insists Villa are working intelligently in the background to improve the squad before the window shuts.

"We are keeping balanced and we are respecting the rules. We are being competitive in the transfer window," the Spaniard said.

"Since I arrived here, we have done fantastic windows in January and the summer. We now have to be intelligent and so alert in everything. 

"I think the most important thing is how we are building the team, trying to get as strong as possible with the players we have. 

"The club is working fantastic. We are ambitious, respecting the rules too, trying to get the best players possible. 

"We are trying to be a contender for Europe and compete like we did today [against Newcastle on Saturday]. We are not going to rest in case we can be with an option in the transfer window." 

Leander Dendoncker and Leon Bailey could be the next players to follow Ramsey out the door. 

Belgian international Dendoncker is set to leave for Real Oviedo on a free transfer, while Bailey is expected to leave initially on a season-long loan to Roma, with talks having continued over the weekend.

Bailey has registered 22 goals and 24 assists in 144 appearances for Villa since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. 

Former Wolves star Dendoncker has featured just 36 times across all competitions in three seasons at Villa Park.