As things stand it appears unlikely that Aston Villa will agree a deal for Marcus Rashford to join the club permanently from Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford enjoyed an excellent loan at Aston Villa last season but the England international’s wages always made a permanent deal appear difficult from the off.
And following Unai Emery’s side missing out on Champions League football on the last day of the season, the finances might not be there to fund a move.
Villa’s wage bill is already high in comparison to their revenue, and it’s believed that Emery might only have just over £50m to spend this summer.
As a result, any move for Rashford might represent the bulk of their spending, and Monchi will probably want to recruit more than one player.
Aston Villa keeping a ‘close eye’ on Hugo Ekitike as Chelsea stall
However, journalist Sasha Tavolieri still seemingly thinks that Villa could go big in the transfer market this summer.
When sharing an update on X about Chelsea’s move for Hugo Ekitike this summer, the journalist confirmed that Villa were keeping a ‘close eye’ on the striker’s situation.
Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
READ MORE: Aston Villa owner Wes Edens set to make final decision on takeover of big-name European club
It’s been reported that Ekitike is keen to leave current club Eintracht Frankfurt after an excellent season in the Bundesliga.
And perhaps the Frenchman could still prevail as Villa’s Rashford and Jhon Duran replacement all wrapped up in one.
Sharing his news, Tavolieri said: “Hugo Ekitike wants to take his time to think things through!
“Even though Chelsea Football Club is pushing to reach an agreement with the Frenchman, Liverpool is still very much in the race.
“Aston Villa is also keeping a close eye on the striker’s situation at SGE. Wait and see.”
Ollie Watkins might make way for Hugo Ekitike
As explained, Villa will have to operate within some tight parameters this summer owing to PSR, and perhaps a deal for Ekitike is unrealistic as a result.
Ekitike might cost £84m for interested clubs this summer — Eintracht Frankfurt are standing firm on their valuation.
And in reality, that might even prove too much for the likes of Arsenal or Liverpool, who have both considered a move for the Frenchman themselves.
But if Villa are able to offload one or two, perhaps they could launch a surprise bid for the 22-year-old, who would certainly be worth the hassle.
Arsenal are still interested in Ollie Watkins, and perhaps this summer’s striker window could be set for a few surprises.