Aston Villa are now desperate to sign a “fantastic” forward, and they are the big favourites in the race for his signature, despite rival interest from within the Premier League.
Villa keen on new forward with Emery short on options
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has queried the decision to let Donyell Malen join AS Roma, saying after the 1-0 defeat against Everton: “Malen leaving in midweek felt a really strange decision when you’re looking at the subs bench, they didn’t have the options today.”
Villa’s chances of competing for the Premier League title took a major hit last time out, succumbing to their first home loss since the end of August, and Unai Emery wasn’t exactly blessed with attackers to bring on and change the game, with Evann Guessand the only senior option.
Youngsters George Hemmings, Jamaldeen Jimoh and James Wright made the bench against the Toffees, with Emery lacking squad depth, and the manager may now be even lighter on players, with John McGinn hobbling off in the first half due to an injury.
As such, it could be very important for the Villans to get a new forward through the door this month, with it being revealed they are interested in signing Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at Besiktas.
There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Abraham, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are the big favourites to win the race for the centre-forward, despite rival interest from Nottingham Forest and Everton.
Villa have already put a £16m offer on the table for the former Chelsea man, and Nottingham Forest are willing to do the same, but Emery’s side remain in a strong position, and they are desperate to get a deal over the line.
Besiktas appear to be open to a deal, and with Abraham keen on a return to Villa Park, there are positive signs the Villans could win the race.
Buendia will love him: Aston Villa submit bid to seal “incredible” signing
Unai Emery and Aston Villa could get even more out of Buendia by signing this incredible star.
Villa must sign “fantastic” Abraham this month
Ollie Watkins has put in some encouraging performances since the end of 2025, scoring a brace against Chelsea and Villa’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal, but Emery clearly needs to bring in a back-up option at centre-forward.
Against Everton last time out, the England international struggled, receiving a SofaScore match rating of just 6.1, but there was no natural replacement on the bench for Emery to call upon.
As such, bringing in a new striker is very important, and Abraham could be a solid option, having been lauded as “fantastic” by writer Sacha Pisani.
The 11-time England international has been in fine form this season, weighing in with 16 goal contributions in 26 matches in all competitions, and at 28-years-old, he could now be in the prime of his career.