Competing with Europe's best on and off the pitch, Aston Villa are now reportedly plotting a summer swoop to sign a talented young winger who could replace loanee Marco Asensio.
Aston Villa eyeing Asensio alternative amid £13m talks
As good as Asensio has been at Villa Park, those in the Midlands could quickly become the victims of the Spaniard's success if Paris Saint-Germain decide to either keep hold of their star this summer or bump his price up, with talks currently centred around a £13m permanent deal.
At that price he's more than affordable, but there's certainly a risk that Aston Villa miss out this summer.
If it's not the Champions League-winning winger this summer, the Villans will still need to find a fresh attacking option when the summer transfer window opens - potentially leading them straight back to Ligue 1.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn Related
[Stronger than McGinn: Aston Villa racing Real Madrid to sign "superb" teen](https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-racing-real-madrid-to-sign-bouaddi-whos-already-a-ucl-star/ "Stronger than McGinn: Aston Villa racing Real Madrid to sign "superb" teen")
He's one to watch...
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now plotting a summer move to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon, who value the 19-year-old winger at around €50m (£42m).
Meanwhile, what makes the race to sign Fofana all the more intriguing is the interest of PSG, which could see Aston Villa cross paths with the French giants once again. Suddenly, Villa's potential failure to sign Asensio on a permanent basis could create a domino effect surrounding Fofana's immediate future.
Marco-Asensio
Once they do battle on the pitch and become well-acquainted in that regard, Aston Villa and PSG could find themselves in the middle of a hectic race for the signature of a rising star this summer.
Aston Villa should prioritise "magnificent" Fofana
Although Asensio has the experience and quite clearly the ability to step into Unai Emery's side, it's difficult to predict just how long he will be at the peak of his powers. Now 29 years old in a career full of injuries, Villa would be wise to turn their attention towards a younger option in Fofana, who is enjoying quite the season himself at Lyon.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Malick Fofana Marco Asensio
Starts 12 10
Goals 3 4
Assists 4 4
Key Passes 14 20
The best is yet to come from Fofana too, who has taken Ligue 1 by storm at times for Lyon this season. With a number of top clubs now eyeing his signature, the Belgian could have quite the decision to make this summer.
To no surprise, the teenager has been at the centre of impressive praise this season, including from Jacek Kulig. The football talent scout described the Lyon star as a "magnificent winger prospect" in a glowing review of his talents.
If Asensio heads back to PSG, Aston Villa should turn their focus towards Lyon and the perfect replacement for their loan star.