Tim Sherwood has labelled Christian Benteke the best striker in Europe as the red-hot forward has scored 11 goals in his last nine games to help keep Villa out of the Premier League's bottom three.
On Friday Benteke was named the league Player of the Month for April after scoring five times.
He also netted twice in last week's 3-2 win over Everton to leave Villa two points above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's visit of West Ham and boss Sherwood believes he is untouchable on current form.
"I don't know if there's a better striker in Europe right now. He's the best," he said. "Benteke is going nowhere in the summer, no one can afford him. I'm delighted for him. It's great to see, he's happy with it.
"It helps us. He's in great form. We're creating the chances for him and he's sticking them away."
Benteke is central to Sherwood's plans next season, but the manager admits others still need to prove themselves.
He has only been in charge since replacing Paul Lambert in February and is running the rule over his players.
He said: "I'm still learning but there are a few I've rubber-stamped and a few I've got question marks over. They know that.
"They know they are on trial if they want to stay at this club, every training session and every game.
"They are on trial to get a place in the (FA) Cup final and they will want to stay here because it is a big club. Some of them will never go to a bigger club than this.
"If they want to stay here they have every chance but they have to continue to produce the goods. And that applies to everyone."
Gabriel Agbonlahor is available for Sherwood after being sidelined for almost a month with a hamstring injury.
Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker remain out with knee injuries and are unlikely to be fit this season, meaning they are expected to miss the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 30.
Before then Villa have to go to Southampton and host Burnley in the final game of the season and Sherwood admitted relegation before the final is unthinkable.
"That would be a disaster. Mentally we'd still have to win the cup final. The priority is the Premier League," he said.
"My mindset would be completely different, it would not be great. My summer holiday with my kids would not be good - I'd be throwing them in the deep end!"