Aston Villa are now plotting a move for an “incredible” forward, who has recently been put up for sale, with Unai Emery personally keen.
Villa keen on new forward after Selhurst Park stalemate
Villa failed to score in a Premier League game for the first time since September on Wednesday night, playing out a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, but Emery was left impressed by his side’s overall performance.
The manager said: “It was a very fantastic response from the players here away against Crystal Palace.
“We competed fantastic. In this match we were closer to winning but we drew, and we must accept it. How we are overall in the table on day 21 is fantastic.”
It was a close game, with the hosts recording an xG of 1.50, compared to 1.74 from the visitors, but both sides lacked the cutting edge required to score, with Ollie Watkins missing two big chances and hitting the woodwork.
Despite the dropped points, Aston Villa remain in a very healthy position in the table, currently sitting in third, level on points with second-place Manchester City, which indicates their squad does not require major surgery.
However, Villa are eager to bring in a new forward, according to a report from Spain, which states they are now plotting a move for Atletico Madrid’s Thiago Almada, with Emery personally keen on a deal for the 24-year-old.
The Argentinian has now been put up for sale, which suggests the Villans could stand a good chance of securing his signature, but there will be competition, with Sunderland and Napoli also being named as potential suitors.
Aston Villa believe they have edge in negotiations to sign £59m Man City star
The Villans are looking to improve their forward line.
ByDominic Lund
A deal could also be relatively affordable at around €25m (£22m), and there are signs the Atletico ace could be a savvy addition, despite being unable to make much of an impact this season.
"Incredible" Almada could be exciting signing for Villa
It would be fair to say the left-winger’s move to Atletico hasn’t worked out, having mainly been used as a substitute in La Liga this season, but he has proven himself in a major league in the past, chipping in with six goal contributions in 16 games for Lyon last term.
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Not only that, but the former Atlanta United man tore it up during his time in the MLS, recording 11 goals and 16 assists in 31 matches during the regular season in 2023, and he has four goals to his name in 12 outings for Argentina.
During his time with Atlanta, former teammate Giorgos Giakoumakis also waxed lyrical about the forward, saying: “Thiago’s talent is incredible, it’s amazing. His ability, his vision is amazing.”
As such, £22m could be a steal for a player of Almada’s quality, and Aston Villa should definitely look to get a deal done this month, given Jadon Sancho’s poor performances, failing to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League.