Aston Villa expected to end Ilaix Moriba interest after João Gomes signing

Aston Villa are expected to end their pursuit of Ilaix Moriba after completing significant midfield business this summer.

The Celta Vigo midfielder had been linked with a move to Villa Park following Amadou Onana's serious knee injury at the World Cup, but reports from Spain suggest Unai Emery is now satisfied with his midfield options.

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa's recruitment of João Gomes has effectively ended any realistic chance of Moriba arriving before the transfer window closes.

Villa have also strengthened the midfield with the addition of Johan Manzambi, giving Emery greater depth despite losing Onana to a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Spanish outlet El Desmarque even claims Villa submitted an offer for Moriba earlier in the summer, although no details of the alleged proposal have emerged and the report has not been widely corroborated elsewhere.

Regardless of whether an offer was made, Villa's recent transfer activity suggests the club have prioritised alternative midfield reinforcements.

With Gomes and Manzambi joining the squad, Emery now has several established midfielders available.

Alongside the new arrivals, Aston Villa can call upon:

The only scenario that could reopen Villa's interest would be another significant injury or departure before the transfer deadline.

Aston Villa appear content with their midfield following the arrivals of João Gomes and Johan Manzambi, making a move for Moriba increasingly unlikely.

Unless injuries or late departures force Emery back into the market, the Guinea international is expected to continue attracting interest from elsewhere in the Premier League before the transfer window closes.

Should Aston Villa revisit a move for Ilaix Moriba despite strengthening their midfield this summer?