Aston Villa have a striker dilemma on their hands amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Ollie Watkins, and Unai Emery could now be set to move for a high-profile forward.
Aston Villa continue to fight interest in Ollie Watkins
Following a summer that has been quieter than anticipated due to the Villans’ close shave with PSR regulations, something they are still trying to navigate, it comes as no surprise that suitors are mounting for some of their first-team regulars.
Manchester United continue to push to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with reports suggesting Alejandro Garnacho could head to Villa Park in the opposite direction amid his preference to remain in the Premier League.
The England international is valued at between £40 million and £45 million. Still, it remains to be seen whether Emery will give short shrift to a divisional rival amid his status as the Villans’ star man.
Lining up potential alternatives, Aston Villa are keen on signing RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda after initiating contact with the Bundesliga outfit.
Cropping up as a cost-effective solution to strengthen their forward line, Dominic Calvert-Lewin may arrive as a free agent after opting to leave Everton.
Aston Villa now submit bid for "elusive" £35m forward also wanted by Forest
The Villans have now made an offer for an attacker, who could be allowed to leave his club for the right price.
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Monitoring financial output and attracting quality in the same breathe isn’t easy, though Emery has a history as a shrewd operator on the market, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he were able to play a part in sanctioning some creative deals.
Monchi and company will be tasked with finding solutions, and they may now have began to accelerate a move for one of Europe’s most prolific young strikers.
Aston Villa enquire about Porto striker Samu Aghehowa
According to Mailsport, Aston Villa have made contact by way of enquiry to sign Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who could be available if the Villans put forward a proposal of £55 million.
Of course, that may prove tricky in their delicate situation. However, his arrival would be a signal of intent after a brilliant campaign for the Portuguese giants that yielded 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
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Labelled an “absolute powerhouse” by Ben Mattinson, he has previously been targeted by Chelsea and has broken into the Spain senior set-up, earning two caps under Luis de la Fuente.
Whether Aston Villa could afford to sign the prolific frontman remains to be seen, with reports suggesting Watkins would need to be sold before making a move emerges as a viable option.
Supporters will face a nervous wait on that front over the next few weeks, but there is no doubt Aghehowa would be an excellent alternative in the event their frontman heads to Manchester United or elsewhere.