Aston Villa are keeping a close watch on Parma’s Mandela Keita, as reported by Sport Witness, but they aren’t alone. Tottenham are also in the hunt as both clubs look to bolster their midfield for the 2026/27 campaign. The 23-year-old Belgian has been a revelation since his €15m move from Royal Antwerp in 2024. He’s already made 37 appearances in Serie A this season, racking up over 2,900 minutes on the pitch, which shows just how vital he’s become to Parma’s system.
Aston Villa eye Mandela Keita in a potential summer transfer battle
Scouts from Aston Villa and Spurs have been tracking him since February, and that interest hasn’t faded. Now, Atalanta have joined the race; reports from Parma Today suggest they see Keita as the perfect successor to Éderson, who is expected to head to Manchester United or Atlético Madrid this summer.
While Atalanta have asked for details, any move from them depends on other pieces falling into place. Parma aren’t under financial pressure to sell, but word is they won’t block a move if a big enough offer hits the table. So far, no one has made a formal bid. With a contract running until 2028 and a market value of roughly €18m, Parma will likely hold out for a premium.
Does Aston Villa actually need Mandela Keita, or is this wishful thinking from Unai Emery?
This move actually makes a lot of sense for Aston Villa. Emery loves midfielders who bring both grit and composure to the centre of the park, and Keita brings those attributes. At 23, he’s a long-term investment, not just a quick solution. Keita’s biggest assets are his engine and his ability to maintain a high work rate for 90 minutes. Playing nearly every game in a debut Serie A season is an impressive feat.
If there’s a problem, it’s that he isn’t the most creative force yet; Aston Villa might still need a playmaker who can unpick a defence in tight spots. However, Keita is still a work in progress, and he’d likely level up quickly under Emery’s coaching. Villa’s big advantage over Atalanta is that they can pull the trigger right now without waiting for someone else to leave first. If they’re serious, they should make a move fast.
