If I have to get a Chelsea cast off, I wouldn’t be looking at Ross Barkley on a loan, I’d be looking at Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a permanent deal.
For our desired progression we should be out growing the Barkleys within a year or two, so buying him wouldn’t be good value for the long term, I believe he has hit his ceiling. A loan will only be a short term fix, with all the benefits going to Chelsea, because the extra game time, gives them a pedestal to advertise him to other clubs.
Lotus-cheek fits Villa’s current profile. young English player, high ceiling and largely forgotten about. The poor lad can’t get the game time at Chelsea to reach his ceiling. A move to us will give him the game time. Also he adds some much needed size and strength in our midfield. However, the fee Chelsea will ask for, would probably be out of our range.