As the January transfer window approaches, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is eager to strengthen his squad, particularly by adding a young, traditional centre-forward to complement their existing attacking options.
Villa, currently chasing the upper echelons alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, sees the New Year as a crucial period to enhance their team. Emery is prioritizing depth in the striking department, aiming to bring in a forward he can develop into his ideal No.9 rather than directly replacing current star Ollie Watkins.
Recent permanent signings like Evann Guessand, Marco Bizot, and Victor Lindelof, as well as loan deals for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott (who is expected to return to Liverpool soon), have already added quality. However, Emery retains final say on new arrivals and is reportedly eyeing further reinforcements.
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According to The Athletic, Aston Villa is close to finalizing a £10.5 million deal for Gremio winger Alysson, who is just 19 years old. Additionally, the club has shown interest in Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge. Jorge’s career path has seen him graduate from Santos’ youth system to Juventus, with loan spells and a recent transfer back to Brazil.
While Jorge fits the profile Emery desires, there are concerns about his price tag and his struggles in European football, where he failed to score in 11 appearances for Juventus and registered only three goals and an assist in 22 matches with Frosinone.
Despite these uncertainties, Emery is keeping an open mind, treating the January window as an opportunity to add quality and experience to his team. Ahead of Villa’s 2-1 home win over Manchester United, Emery remarked on the club’s transfer ambitions: “Of course, the club is working (on transfer targets). We have always one eye on the transfer window, and in case something can help us, and you can have one opportunity to sign some players (who) can add us something different. Of course, quality, of course, experience, of course, something with increasing our qualities in the squad, we must do it.”
Looking ahead, Aston Villa will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on December 27—a key fixture as both clubs aim to climb the Premier League standings. With Emery’s plans to refresh the squad, the January window promises to be significant for Villa’s aspirations.