A number of players have been linked with moves to Aston Villa so far this summer
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks as the summer transfer window kicks into gear.
It's been a quiet start to the window for Villa, who are set to confirm their second arrival of the summer shortly.
Goalkeeper Marco Bizot is joining from Stade Brest as a replacement for Robin Olsen, who left the club when his contract expired last month.
Zépiqueno Redmond became Villa’s first summer signing after penning a long-term deal on July 1, having left Feyenoord at the end of June.
Here are a few of the recent transfer links and what BirminghamLive has to say about them…
Samu Aghehowa
Porto striker Samu has been linked with Villa for months, though any move would surely depend on Ollie Watkins’ future.
Porto recently secured 100% ownership of the striker from Atletico Madrid by activating an option to buy an additional 15% for €5m and the remaining 20% for €7m.
Under contract until 2029, Samu also has a €100 million release clause, which is unlikely to be met by any club this summer.
Samu possesses all the physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League, but his profile differs significantly from that of Watkins.
If he is being viewed as Watkins’ long-term successor, this may be a deal Villa revisit next summer - especially given Watkins’ continued contributions, with 71 goal involvements in 107 appearances across all competitions over the past two seasons.
Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is stylistically closer to Watkins, though replacing Watkins would still be a major gamble.
While Villa should resist any offers for Watkins - unless their reported £60m valuation is met - Jackson would likely be a top target given his past working relationship with Emery at Villarreal.
Villa also attempted to sign Jackson before his move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023, when he joined for around £30 million.
Reports now suggest Chelsea would seek £100 million to sell Jackson before the new season begins, which goes to show what a dangerous market Villa would be entering if they were to accept a big bid for Watkins.
Ferran Torres
Another forward linked with Villa this summer is Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.
However, the 25-year-old is not expected to join, with Monchi dismissing reports of Villa’s interest in an interview with El Pelotazo at the start of June.
Torres would be an excellent addition to the squad, but for now, this appears to be a non-starter.
Yann Bisseck
Villa have also been linked with Inter defender Yann Bisseck, though they are not currently pursuing a deal.
La Gazzetta dello Sport described Bisseck as a top Villa target, but BirminghamLive sources have downplayed that claim.
Still, Villa are in the market for a centre-back this summer following Axel Disasi’s return to Chelsea after a loan spell that began in February.
Bisseck was signed for €7 million from Danish side Aarhus in 2023 and is now valued at around €35 million.
Sol Sidibe
Villa face competition from several European clubs in their pursuit of Stoke City’s promising midfielder Sol Sidibe.
Born in France but capped by England at youth level, Sidibe featured for the U17s in 2023 and debuted for the U18s later that year. He has since captained the Young Lions at that level.
Domestically, the 18-year-old has already gained significant first-team experience, making 21 appearances for Stoke since his debut in August 2023.
Lille, Ajax, and PSV are also reportedly interested. Given Villa's depth in midfield, Sidibe would likely be loaned out if a deal were completed.
Lucas Chevalier
Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier is reportedly under consideration by Monchi due to the uncertainty surrounding Emi Martinez’s future.
The Argentina No. 1 returned to training on Monday, alongside other key players such as Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Amadou Onana, and Morgan Rogers.
As of now, Villa have not received any concrete offers or formal inquiries for Martinez, who signed a long-term deal with the club last August.
Chevalier could be a strong replacement option, but ideally, Villa would retain the 32-year-old - especially given that goalkeeper is one position you don’t want to be unsettled heading into a new season.