Unai Emery will need the backing of Aston Villa's ambitious owners if he is to turn around the club's fortunes following the disastrous reign of Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard was sacked with the club hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone. A summer spending spree did not go to plan, with the Englishman struggling to imprint a successful style of play onto his players.
Villa chiefs can glance at Emery's spell at Arsenal for hints as to what the Spaniard may have in mind for the January transfer window. Here, Mirror Football takes a look and ranks at the players he signed for the Gunners, and what that might mean for his new club.
12. Denis Suarez
Signed on loan from Barcelona in the January transfer window of 2019, Denis Suarez proved to be a major disappointment. He made just six appearances, all of which came as a substitute before a groin injury ended his season in April.
Not much can be learned from the signing of Suarez, as he was neither a highly-rated youngster nor a veteran searching for game time. What it may suggest, though, is that Emery may need some support when looking for loan targets.
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11. Stephan Lichtsteiner
Having been a regular for Juventus as they won seven Serie A titles, there was hope that Stephan Lichtsteiner could help to change the mindset of the Arsenal squad. As a serial trophy-winner and highly-experienced defender, Lichtsteiner certainly seemed to be a savvy signing.
But it quickly became apparent that he was no longer able to compete at the highest level and he made only 14 top-flight appearances as a consequence. What his signing suggests is that Emery will look towards experience to begin his turnaround.
10. Sokratis
Though his Arsenal career started well, it soon became clear that the decision to sign Sokratis was a poor one. It was also an expensive move on Emery's part, with his successor Mikel Arteta quickly deciding to move the Greek on.
The additions of Sokratis and Lichtsteiner would hint that Emery's moves for veterans fail to pay off. That could be something for Villa to be wary off if the Spaniard turns to experience in January.
9. Nicolas Pepe
Still Arsenal's record signing, Nicolas Pepe's time at the Emirates Stadium has proven to be a disaster. Though he was a regular under Emery, the attacker failed to live up to his price tag and became a bit-part player under Arteta before joining Nice on loan this season.
Given Pepe's failed move to the Gunners, it may be wise for Villa chiefs to be cautious when it comes to stumping up large transfer fees. Pepe has found some success back in France, but Emery may well be wary of signing a relatively unproven youngster.
8. Dani Ceballos
The second of the two loan signings Emery made was Dani Ceballos, who joined from Real Madrid. Unlike Suarez, Ceballos actually had a fairly successful spell with the Gunners under the Spaniard's management.
He played his part as Arsenal won the FA Cup once Arteta had replaced Emery, becoming a regular in the starting line-up. Handing opportunities to younger players with something to prove could certainly be a tactic employed by Emery at Villa.
7. Lucas Torreira
At first, Lucas Torreira appeared to be exactly what Arsenal needed, with his fiery attitude and uncompromising playing style adding bite to their midfield. He impressed under Emery before the Spaniard bizarrely moved him to a central attacking midfield position.
A loss of form as a result of that change of position coupled with a bad injury picked up against Portsmouth in the FA Cup ultimately saw him lose his place at the Gunners. But a signing in the mould of Torreira would certainly go down well at Villa.
6. Matteo Guendouzi
Matteo Guendouzi appeared to be the future of Arsenal's midfield after he arrived at the Emirates. The Frenchman impressed during his time playing under Emery, but a series of disciplinary issues ultimately ruined his career at the Gunners.
Having fallen out with Arteta, he was sent back to France on loan before that turned into a permanent move to Marseille. Guendouzi was a partial success, suggesting that Emery may turn to youth to help improve Villa's squad.
5. David Luiz
The final signing Emery made as Arsenal boss was the free transfer of David Luiz from Chelsea. Though his performances on the pitch were mixed, it is fair to describe the Brazilian as a solid signing.
He added leadership to Emery's squad and many of the youngsters looked up to the centre-back. With Villa's defence looking shaky, Emery could well look to turn to a player in the ilk of Luiz.
4. Bernd Leno
A solid goalkeeper, Bernd Leno was one of Arsenal's best number ones since Jens Lehmann departed. He quickly took Petr Cech's place and single-handedly saved the Gunners on several occasions.
It is unlikely that Emery will sign a keeper given Emi Martinez's standing at Villa Park. But if he does want to add competition between the sticks, Villa chiefs can be safe in the knowledge that Emery knows how to find a solid option.
3. Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney quickly became a fan-favourite at Arsenal after his arrival from Celtic in the summer of 2019. His all-action displays from left-back marked him out as one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
Building a solid defence will be crucial if Emery is to have success at Villa Park. The signing of Tierney certainly suggests he can bring in experienced players from overlooked leagues who can go on to be successful.
2. William Saliba
Before this season, William Saliba would have been near the bottom of this list, with the defender not making a senior appearance before this campaign. But he has flourished since being brought into the fold by Arteta.
A stylish centre-back, Saliba has helped the Gunners form one of the best defences in the top flight. Though he took time to establish himself under Arteta, his success adds further evidence that Emery has a good eye for young players.
1. Gabriel Martinelli
The signing of Gabriel Martinelli shows that Emery can spot attackers as well as defenders. The Brazilian has been one of Arsenal's best players since his arrival in the summer of 2019 from his home country.
Though Villa have plenty of attacking options, Martinelli's time at the Gunners shows that Emery would be capable of improving his forward line. Again, he represents another successful move for a younger player.
