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Unai Emery | AFP via Getty Images
Unai Emery will be weighing up potential January transfer targets for Aston Villa ahead of the winter window
Aston Villa have emerged as Premier League title contenders after their recent win over Arsenal. They are now only three points behind the Gunners at the summit after their 2-1 victory over Mikel Arteta’s side. Matty Cash and Emi Buendia got their goals at Villa Park.
Aston Villa admirers of Strasbourg attacker Joaquin Panichelli
Aston Villa are interested in a move for Strasbourg attacker Joaquin Panichelli, according to Caught Offside. They are being linked with a swoop for the Ligue 1 ace this winter. However, they face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid ahead of next month.
Panichelli, 23, could be seen by Emery as someone to compete with Ollie Watkins up top. He has caught the eye over in France this season and has scored 10 goals in 19 games in all competitions. His contract expires in 2030 meaning his current club are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon and can wait for big money.
The Argentina international, who has one cap to his name, has flourished under the guidance of ex-Derby County and Hull City boss Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg. He moved over to Europe as a youngster in 2023 when Alaves landed him from River Plate. The Cordoba-born man went on to play 12 games during his time in Spain but didn’t score, as well as being loaned out to Mirandes in the Segunda Division to get some experience under his belt and boost his development.
Aston Villa should propose swap deal to Strasbourg
Aston Villa may find it hard to beat teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of Panichelli. Therefore, they should think outside the box with this particular transfer pursuit and offer Strasbourg a player in return plus some cash to try and get him. With that in mind, Samuel Iling-Junior would fit the bill.
Although he is currently out on loan at West Brom, they should recall him and send him to Stade de la Meinau. He isn’t always guaranteed a starting spot at The Hawthorns and a change of scene would do him good. The former England youth international is the sort of player that Rosenior would be able to get the best out of.
Rosenior worked with individuals like Liam Delap, Fabio Carvalho and Tyler Morton during his time at Hull and is the sort of head coach that always players to express themselves. Iling-Junior is in need of a confidence boost and a switch to France would get him out of his comfort zone and provide him with an opportunity to show what he is capable of.
The ex-Juventus man would be a shrewd addition for Strasbourg and would give them more competition and depth on the wing. In addition, he could offer them something different to pick from in attack. He is unlikely to break into Aston Villa’s team anytime soon. Therefore, they can afford to let him depart if needed.
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