£70m star open to Aston Villa move, he's "heard good things" about Emery
Aston Villa have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £70m forward, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing he would be open to a move to Villa Park this summer.
Aston Villa eager to sign new forwards
It has been clear that Villa need to sign a striker since the January transfer window, at which point they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and the need to bring in a centre-forward could be exacerbated by the departure of Ollie Watkins.
Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Watkins, which means the Villans have started to run the rule over replacements, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani has entered the frame as a potential option.
Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy also remains of interest, alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Unai Emery’s side now ready to make a move for the striker, should he become available later this summer.
Target
League appearances in 24/25
Goals
Randal Kolo Muani
26
10
Semih Kilicsoy
32
3
Nicolas Jackson
30
10
After losing Duran in the January transfer window, versatile forward Marcus Rashford was brought in, but with the Manchester United man now Barcelona-bound, Emery is also keen on bringing in a forward capable of playing out wide.
Last week, it was revealed that Aston Villa have made an approach for Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could be valued at £70m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the forward.
According to a report from The Boot Room, Garnacho is open to a move to Villa Park this summer, given that he is keen to remain in the Premier League and play under Emery.
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Bailey added: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.
“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”
Garnacho could be "amazing" signing for Aston Villa
Amid doubts surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future, it could be very important to bring in a new signing capable of playing at left-wing this summer, and the 21-year-old has picked up 31 goals and 17 assists in 110 appearances from that area, including games at youth level.
Ruben Amorim has also singled out the youngster for high praise, describing him as “amazing” after an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal last season.
That said, given that Villa are treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may not be financially prudent to shell out £70m on a player yet to record world-class numbers.
Garnacho amassed a respectable six goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m outlay, so it may only be worth Villa making a move if the winger becomes available for a lower price.