Aston Villa’s rise under the guidance of Unai Emery over recent seasons has been nothing short of remarkable, with the club now consistent challengers for European football.
The Spaniard took the reins with the Villans firmly placed in mid-table, but he’s helped transition the first-team squad to a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
He’s led the side to two top six finishes in each of the last two top-flight seasons, with the prospect on a third successive European finish now firmly on the cards.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts
However, despite the success under the Spaniard, a huge summer transfer window could be on the cards, with numerous arrivals and departures on the horizon.
The attacking department is one area of the pitch that looks set to be strengthened, as various players have already been touted with a move to the West Midlands.
Over the last couple of weeks, Fulham star Harry Wilson has been just one of numerous players linked with a move to join Villa during the summer transfer window.
It’s been reported in recent weeks that the Welsh international is set to leave the Cottagers this summer, when his current deal expires at the end of June.
Fulham-Harry-Wilson
The 29-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the division at present, with the likes of Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all linked with moves to land the winger.
However, Wilson isn’t the only attacker currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Swansea City star Zan Vipotnik another player admired ahead of the summer.
According to TEAMtalk, the Villans have already made an approach to the Championship side over a move for the 24-year-old, who’s netted 20 league goals this term.
The report also states that the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Coventry City and Leeds United also keen on a move to land the in-form talisman during the off-season.
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Slovenia's Zan Vipotnik
Whilst the article doesn’t state how much a deal for the Slovenian international would cost this window, Vitor Matos’ side remain in a strong position after tying the forward down to a new contract last month.
Why Vipotnik would be the perfect Watkins replacement
Over the last couple of seasons, there’s no denying that centre-forward Ollie Watkins has been one of the main reasons behind Villa’s success under manager Emery.
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The Englishman has netted 44 goals in the last two full seasons under the Spaniard, leading to him becoming a regular within the England national team setup.
However, the current campaign has been one to forget for the 30-year-old, as he’s only netted 10 goals in his 43 appearances to date - his worst return since joining the club in 2020.
His struggles have led to rumours about his long-term future at Villa Park, with the hierarchy potentially wanting to invest in added reinforcements this summer.
It’s unclear if the board would be able to shift the fan-favourite on during the summer, but they could land the perfect replacement with a move for Vipotnik this summer.
Kosovo's Leon Avdullahu in action with Slovenia's Zan Vipotnik
The 24-year-old has been a tremendous option for the Swans so far this term - as seen by is remarkable tally of 20 league goals from his 39 appearances to date.
The aforementioned tally is the highest of any player within England’s second tier this season, with Haji Wright the second-highest goalscorer, but four goals behind on 16.
Championship top scorers (2025/26)
Player
Zan Vipotnik
Haji Wright
Jack Clarke
Joe Gelhardt
Ollie McBurnie
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Kieffer Moore
Morgan Whittaker
He would emulate Watkins in moving to Villa Park from a second-tier outfit, with such a move allowing the Villans to secure their next version of the Englishman.
Away from his goalscoring feats, Vipotnik has also produced some phenomenal underlying stats, with many of which making him ready for the jump to the Premier League.
The Slovenian, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Stuart James, has registered 1.1 shots on target per 90 - whilst also achieving a 38% shot on target accuracy rate.
The latter of the aforementioned figures ranks him in the top 10% of players in the division, which highlights the threat he carries when inside the final third.
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He’s also created 0.3 big chances per 90 this week, which places in the 16% of strikers in the Championship - a figure which could see him create for others alongside his goalscoring ability.
Vipotnik could also be the focal point Emery’s side are craving at present, with the 24-year-old managing to win 2.1 aerial battles per 90 this campaign.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Swansea striker could cost this summer, it’s evident that he’s a player who’s more than capable of making the jump into the Premier League.
He could easily be the perfect replacement for Watkins at Villa Park this summer - a sad sight to see, but a decision that needs to be made for the club’s best interests.
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