Aston Villa might have missed their moment in transfer pursuit of Serie A star: report
Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Belgian midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers are fading, according to reports.
Villa have been unable to field a consistent midfield pairing in the early part of the Premier League season, contributing to a historically bad start to their 2025/26 campaign.
Saelemaekers was reportedly identified as a potential target in the summer transfer window despite the effects of Villa’s financial constraints on their transfer business and his contract situation, which might otherwise have left the door open for a new approach,
The Belgian international is no fringe player at AC Milan. Saelemaekers has been a regular starter for Max Allegri’s side this season and is apparently edging closer to signing a contract extension.
Talks are underway to keep the midfielder at San Siro after his current contract expires in the summer of 2027, with reports suggesting he could agree a new deal to 2029 with an option for another year.
That would be a fatal blow to the immediate hopes not only of Villa, but also of Juventus and Roma, Saelemaekers’ former club. Milan showed no inclination to sell him, turning down any hint of an approach in the summer, and the player is understood to be settled with the Rossoneri.
Positive development for Saelemaekers
The 26-year-old midfielder has benefited from his time at Milan and the club’s management of his development. He is considered a more complete player having improved offensively and defensively, learning well from his prior loans with Bologna and the Giallorossi.
Saelemaekers has started all of Milan’s matches in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia at the start of the 2025/26 season, registering his first goal contribution with an assist in their most recent home league game against Bologna.
Reporting by Corriere dello Sport indicates that he is set to continue his progress at Milan, where Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare have expressed their desire for him to stay at the club beyond 2027.
“The former Roma and Bologna player is highly regarded by sporting director Igli Tare and the coach, so much so that the two are pushing for a contract renewal,” reports Antonio Vitiello.
“The Rossoneri now intend to extend his contract for at least another two years, extending it to 2029 with an option for 2030 , and also adjusting his financial position.
“In the coming days, contact is planned with the agents of the players whose contracts expire within two years, to resume discussions on extensions and begin working on the figures.”
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