Aston Villa rivalling Arsenal for Bayern Munich star in January, contact already made

Aston Villa travel to Newcastle United on Saturday evening with renewed confidence after finally producing the kind of performance their supporters have been waiting for.

Unai Emery’s side swept Fenerbahçe aside 6-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday, recording the club’s biggest ever victory in Europe.

Reuters/Matthew Childs

Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley both scored twice, while Johan Manzambi and Tammy Abraham also completed a memorable night at Villa Park.

The result was also Villa’s first home win of the season and offered a welcome reminder of the attacking quality within Emery’s squad.

They have now scored at least three goals in four of their past six matches across all competitions, despite making a slow start in the Premier League.

That domestic form remains the major concern, as Villa have won only once in their opening six league fixtures and surrendered a lead in their 2-2 draw with Brentford last weekend.

Their trip to St James’ Park gives them an immediate opportunity to carry their European momentum into the top flight.

Newcastle are under pressure after successive 4-1 away defeats against Leeds and Coventry City, but they remain unbeaten in five home matches.

Matthias Jaissle will expect a response from his players in front of a demanding crowd, making this a far more difficult assignment than Newcastle’s recent results might suggest.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Villa won 2-0 on their previous league visit to St James’ Park in January.

Newcastle responded by beating them 3-1 in the FA Cup at Villa Park the following month, so neither side should lack motivation when they meet again.

While Emery prepares for that challenge, Villa’s recruitment staff are already looking towards January.

Aston Villa could accelerate Kim Min-jae move as Arsenal enter January race

Mark Brus reports in the Daily Briefing that Villa are a club to watch in the developing January race for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae.

The Midlands side could intensify their pursuit to get ahead of Arsenal, who are now considering a winter move of their own.

Villa made contact over Kim during the summer without submitting a formal bid, but the defender has remained on their list, though Arsenal’s arrival in the race may now force them to decide whether to act earlier than planned.

Mikel Arteta’s interest has reportedly been strengthened by injuries to Piero Hincapié and William Saliba, even if both are expected to return fairly soon.

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Bayern could demand around £35 million for the South Korea international, but Kim would bring the experience Emery values.

The 29-year-old has won major titles in Italy and Germany, is comfortable defending aggressively and can move the ball forward from the back.

Villa already have Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, Victor Lindelöf and younger options available centrally. However, Mings and Lindelof are approaching the final months of their contracts, while recent injury problems have repeatedly tested Emery’s defensive depth.

Kim remains contracted until 2028 and the German champions are expected to hold discussions over his future.

Arsenal’s interest has nevertheless changed the picture, and if Villa truly want Kim, waiting until the summer could allow the Premier League champions to take control.

A decisive January push may be their best chance of winning the race to secure Emery’s defensive target.