Aston Villa are set to offer new deal to key man – as Unai Emery fights off interest from Champions League giants

Lucas Digne is set to be offered a contract extension by Aston Villa following positive talks with the France international.

The 32-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season but boss Unai Emery remains a huge fan and is convinced Digne can remain a key player for Villa in the seasons ahead.

Digne was on the radar of Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer and had been open to moving to a Champions League club, particularly with the World Cup taking place in the Americas next summer. 

Yet even though Digne’s fellow left back Ian Maatsen was given increased playing time at the end of last season, Digne remains firmly part of Emery’s plans as he tries to lead Villa back into Europe’s main club competition. 

Villa reached the quarter-finals last term but had to settle for a place in the Europa League in the campaign ahead, after missing out by a whisker on a top-five finish.

Digne made 32 Premier League appearances for the Villans in 2024-25, starting in 28 of those matches.

Since signing from Everton for £25million in 2021, he has been a key player in Villa’s defence, with his strong performances earning him regular call-ups to his national team.

If Villa can – as expected – secure Digne, it would be another positive development after they also agreed a new deal with Boubacar Kamara on Thursday.

The midfielder, who was signed on a free transfer from Marseille three years ago, has agreed a contract until summer 2030.

Across three seasons with the Claret and Blue, Kamara has made 97 appearances.