Aston Villa have joined the race to sign a “sensational” Premier League forward this summer.
Villa looking to reshuffle forward line
Former scout Mick Brown has now suggested Unai Emery could be willing to let Ollie Watkins leave in the summer transfer window, with the striker’s lack of goals becoming a serious issue.
Brown said: “I think there’s a chance Aston Villa could let Watkins go. A lot will depend on what Unai Emery wants to do, but it’s difficult to tell what he’s thinking about him because he has been keen to stick with him.
“It hasn’t been his best season, that’s for sure, and the thing now is that Villa’s form has dipped a bit and he isn’t scoring goals, so it’s becoming a major problem for them.”
As such, the Villans may have to bring in a new centre-forward this summer, and signing a winger could be on the agenda too, given that Jadon Sancho, who is yet to score a Premier League goal, is currently set to return to Manchester United when his loan deal comes to an end.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now stormed into the race to sign West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville, but competition for his signature could be fierce, with nine clubs keen on a summer move.
Everton are very keen, but Villa, who remain in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, will be near the front of the queue to secure Summerville’s signature due to their new status as a European regular.
Interest from 2024-25 Serie A winners Napoli could also pose a problem for the English sides in the race.
West Ham will only consider cashing-in on the Dutchman if they are relegated from the Premier League, but they are currently in a precarious position, sitting inside the relegation zone on goal difference.
“Sensational” Summerville could be exciting Sancho replacement
Sancho has picked up just one goal contribution in 18 Premier League outings this season, whereas the West Ham star has been performing far better, chipping in with seven goals and four assists in 26 matches across all competitions.
Unai Emery now personally driving Aston Villa move for “fantastic” Emiliano Martinez replacement
Martinez’s future is in doubt.
The Rotterdam-winger is starting to prove himself at Premier League level, after performing remarkably well for Leeds in the Championship during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 19 goals and being lauded as “sensational” by journalist James Marshment.
The West Ham star is capable of playing on both wings, which suggests he could be a direct replacement for Sancho, who has operated on the left and right flank this season, recently failing to register a single shot and completing just one of three dribbles against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Summerville could be ready to make the step-up to a club in European contention, so it is exciting news that Villa are in the race for the £45k-a-week star.