Aston Villa are fighting to secure more arrivals after a disappointing start to the campaign and have now made a proposal to sign a renowned star, according to a report.
Aston Villa move on from defeat at Brentford
Truthfully, there wasn't much to write home about from a positive perspective as the Villans slumped to a 1-0 defeat away to Brentford last weekend, which has left them with a point from their first two Premier League encounters.
Unai Emery has been frustrated in his quest to add quality reinforcements in the West Midlands this summer and made it clear that his side need to improve several aspects of their game after a hapless afternoon in West London.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a lap of honour
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a lap of honour
He told BBC Sport: "We reacted well to going behind, we created chances but didn't score. There are some things tactically we need to improve. In the first half and second half we had chances to score. We had corners and we had a lot of crosses. Yes, it was a clear mistake (that saw Villa go behind). We are not like we want. Today we are very disappointed with the result."
Nevertheless, there is no time for Aston Villa to dwell and recruiting quality reinforcements will be the priority before the deadline next Monday.
Reacting with urgency, Emery has initiated contact with Chelsea over a move for Christopher Nkunku, who could potentially offer a valuable alternative through the middle to Ollie Watkins as their attacking frailties continue to show on the pitch.
Nicolas Jackson and Geny Catamo are also on Aston Villa's radar in the final stages of the market, though it may well be midfield where NSWE look to add a statement reinforcement ahead of the deadline.
Aston Villa make proposal for Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot
According to L'Equipe, Aston Villa have made an approach for Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who may be on the market after one campaign at the Stade Velodrome due to a well-publicised bust-up with teammate Jonathan Rowe.
Galatasaray, West Ham United, Inter Milan and other clubs from Italy are keen on the World Cup finalist. However, their sporting director Medhi Benatia has no more relations with Rabiot and his mother amid recent events under Roberto De Zerbi's watch.
Previously impressing at the Ligue 1 giants, the 30-year-old has registered ten goals and six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, though it remains to be seen whether he will be available at a suitable price.
With the end of the window in sight, Aston Villa are targeting a statement finish and Rabiot would certainly fit the bill as someone who could move the needle in the West Midlands.