Aston Villa now want to sign an "incredible" Barcelona player this summer, with Unai Emery believed to be a big fan, according to a report.
Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins uncertainty
Ollie Watkins has been one of Villa's key players for quite some time, with the England international reaching the 15-goal mark for the third campaign on the spin this season, underlining his importance to the side.
Season Premier League appearances Goals
2022-23 37 15
2024-24 37 19
2024-25 37 16
However, given the level of Watkins' performances, the striker is attracting attention from some rival Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Chelsea and long-term admirers Arsenal being named as potential suitors.
The 29-year-old has also had issues with Emery at times this season, admitting he was furious about being largely uninvolved in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, saying: "I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn't playing - I let him [Unai Emery] know that."
Watkins has since returned to the team, suggesting the pair have settled their differences, but a new report has now revealed that Aston Villa still want to sign a striker this summer, emerging as potential suitors for Barcelona's Ferran Torres.
FC Barcelona's Ferran Torres in action
Emery is a big fan of Torres, who joined Barca for €55m (£46m) back in 2021, and there has been a long-standing belief that the forward would be a good fit for the Villans' style of play.
That said, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has suggested the 25-year-old is unlikely to leave the La Liga champions this summer, having featured regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
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"Incredible" Torres impressing for Barcelona
It is no surprise the forward may be tempted to remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer, fresh off the back of winning the La Liga title, as he was very impressive right the way through the 2024-25 season, during which he predominantly featured in the role of striker.
The former Manchester City man picked up 19 goals and seven assists across a total of 45 matches in all competitions, while placing in the top 1% for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other forwards.
The Spain international has also impressed at international level in the past, scoring 21 goals for his country, including one en-route to his side's Euro 2024 triumph last summer.
Once lauded as "incredible" by former manager Pep Guardiola, Torres could be a top signing for almost any Premier League side, but it may be difficult for Villa to prise him away from Barcelona, given his importance to Hansi Flick's side last season.