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Aston Villa now in pole position to sign wantaway PSG player ahead of Tottenham - journalist

Aston Villa's search for the next generation of elite talent could soon take them to Paris, with highly-rated teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye reported to be a top target.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with PSG last term, making 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering two assists.

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However, only a handful of those outings came from the start, with Luis Enrique often using him as an impact substitute behind an established attacking group featuring Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and Lee Kang-in.

Despite showing flashes of his enormous potential, Mbaye has found it increasingly difficult to force his way into PSG's strongest XI.

His opportunities became even more limited after returning from international duty earlier in the year, with the teenager slipping down the pecking order as competition for places intensified.

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That lack of regular football has naturally prompted questions over whether staying in Paris is the best move for his development.

According to Foot Mercato editor Sébastien Denis, Mbaye is now seriously considering a move away from the French champions.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign Ibrahim Mbaye ahead of Tottenham

Denis reports that 'Mbaye no longer wants to settle for a bit-part role in Paris', and adds that the youngster has become frustrated by his limited opportunities, although 'his entourage is trying to dissuade him' from leaving.

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His update also reveals that while "Tottenham are attracted to his profile," the club currently leading the race is Aston Villa.

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That development would make plenty of sense from Villa's perspective.

Aston Villa should jump at the chance to sign Ibrahim Mbaye

Unai Emery has built a reputation for improving young players while still competing at the highest level, and Villa could also offer something PSG cannot currently guarantee: a clearer pathway towards regular first-team football.

While competition would still be fierce at Villa Park, Mbaye would not be competing against arguably the strongest collection of wide forwards in European football every single week.

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Technically, the teenager appears well suited to Emery's style.

Comfortable on either flank, Mbaye likes to attack defenders directly, carries the ball confidently over long distances and possesses the acceleration to stretch defensive lines.

He also works hard without possession, a quality that would appeal to Emery's demanding tactical approach.

Of course, signing such a young player would carry risk. Mbaye remains inexperienced at senior level and is still developing the consistency expected of a regular starter.

However, his ceiling is exceptionally high, and PSG's reluctance to lose him reflects how highly he is regarded inside the club.

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