Aston Villa line up three midfield targets after Onana ACL blow

Aston Villa have drawn up a three-man midfield shortlist after Amadou Onana suffered an ACL rupture during the World Cup.

According to TeamTalk, Villa are monitoring Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, Villarreal’s Pape Gueye and Parma’s Mandela Keita as Unai Emery looks for cover in a key area of his squad.

Onana is now expected to miss a large part of the 2026/27 season, with a return unlikely until 2027. That has forced Villa to reassess their summer plans ahead of another demanding campaign involving both the Premier League and Champions League.

Onana’s injury is a major setback for Villa because of the role he plays at the base of Emery’s midfield.

The Belgian gives Villa physical presence, ball-winning quality and security in central areas. Without him, the club now need a holding midfielder capable of stepping in quickly rather than a long-term development option alone.

Camara is one of the names under consideration after impressing for Monaco and Senegal. The 22-year-old is regarded as a high-value target and would likely require a significant fee.

Gueye is another serious option. The Villarreal midfielder has also attracted interest from Everton and is understood to have a €45 million release clause.

Keita, meanwhile, could be the more affordable route. The Parma midfielder has been linked with Leeds United and is expected to be available for around £25 million to £30 million this summer.

Gueye may become the most realistic big-name option because Villarreal are expected to make one major sale this summer.

The Spanish club qualified for the Champions League again, but owner Fernando Roig has admitted they may still need to balance the books for the 2026/27 season.

That could open the door for Villa, especially given Emery’s strong relationship with Villarreal after his successful spell in charge of the club.

However, Villa should not expect a discount. Villarreal are likely to demand Gueye’s full release clause if they decide to sell, particularly with other Premier League clubs also monitoring the situation.

Villa’s next move will depend on how quickly they decide to replace Onana. The injury has changed the urgency of their transfer window, and Emery now needs a midfielder who can handle immediate responsibility.

Camara offers long-term upside, Gueye brings Champions League-level experience, and Keita may be the most financially flexible option. Villa now have to decide which profile best fits their squad.

Who should Aston Villa move for to replace Onana?