Emiliano Buendia

Premier League club Aston Villa may have lost their star player and captain of many seasons to Manchester City this summer, but they are working hard to make sure that they sign quality players that will try to replace the attacking midfielder. They have done some outstanding business this summer in preparation for life after Grealish and with the number of players they have signed this summer, with their quality, they are expected to make a strong claim for a top-half finish in the Premier League this season. WI will take a look at the transfer businesses they have engaged in this summer, especially how they have spent the huge sum they received from City for the transfer of their star player.

Aston Villa have turned their attention to River Plate attacker Julian Alvarez after failing to prise young English player Emile Smith-Rowe from Arsenal.

Villa were unsuccessful with two bids of £25m and £30m for England u21 international Smith-Rowe and were rumoured to be preparing a third bid for the 20-year-old when Arsenal announced a new long-term deal for him thus putting doubts over his long-term to rest. He has signed a new five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium until 2026.

Aston Villa have now switched focus to River Plate starlet Alvarez with reports that his agent, Fernando Hidalgo is set to meet with the representatives from the Premier League team over a deal for the 21-year-old attacker who scored four goals and made seven others in 20 appearances for his Argentine club last season.

Arsenal have already suffered multiple heartbreaks in the summer transfer window and could yet suffer more if the recent reports are to be believed. The Gunners are currently in dire need of completing transfers into the club but have continued to miss out on important signings and it looks like the trend is set to continue. Some weeks ago, the north London club were said to be interested in signing Norwich City attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia, but the Argentina international star opted to join Aston Villa instead.

That alone sparked discontent among Arsenal fans and it further made them raise questions about how the owners of the club are running it. Also, Arsenal fans have criticized the club for being unable to convince Rea Madrid in negotiations about sealing a permanent move for the Spanish club's midfielder Martin Odegaard. Another case is that of the James Maddison deal. The Gunners' interest in the Leicester City manager has been questioned as well, with some asking if they can get the deal over the line this time around.