Aston Villa have indicated their intention to keep manager Unai Emery at the club beyond 2029, reinforcing their commitment to the Spaniard amid speculation linking him with Manchester United.
Emery has overseen a remarkable transformation at Villa Park since taking charge four years ago, establishing the Birmingham club as a competitive force in English and European football.
The former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain manager has guided Aston Villa to the Champions League on two occasions and ended the club's 30-year trophy drought by securing the Europa League title last season.
His achievements have attracted attention from other major Premier League clubs, raising questions about his long-term future despite his existing contract running until 2029.
Speculation intensified earlier this week when former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher suggested Emery should consider taking charge of Manchester United if current manager Michael Carrick is dismissed.
Villa subsequently announced plans to pursue legal action against Carragher over his comments.
On Wednesday, Aston Villa released a statement following a strategic meeting aimed at shaping the club's future, making clear that Emery remains central to their ambitions.
"Aston Villa held an important working meeting today to plan the club's future and lay the foundations for its long-term sporting and institutional project," the club confirmed.
The statement highlighted positive discussions regarding the club's strategic direction, including a shared commitment to continuing its development under Emery's sporting leadership beyond 2029.
Villa also reaffirmed their determination to establish themselves among Europe's leading clubs.
"The objective is clear: to build an ambitious, competitive Aston Villa capable of taking on the biggest challenges and achievements," the statement added.
While no formal contract extension has been announced, Villa's latest comments underline their confidence in Emery and their desire to maintain stability as they pursue further domestic and European success.
