Aston Villa plot late move for “extraordinary” talent

Aston Villa have had a season to remember under Unai Emery so far in 2025/26, with the club potentially creating new ground come the end of the season.

The Villans currently sit third in the Premier League with just 15 games remaining this season, which could see the club potentially get into the title battle with Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Europa League has also seen some impressive results, with Emery’s men winning seven out of their eight group matches – subsequently securing their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Such a progression could allow the club to secure another European title, with the current group of players having the chance to write themselves into the club’s history forever.

However, with just a couple of days remaining in the transfer window, the hierarchy have the chance to back the manager with new additions and bolster their chances of potential success.

Aston Villa want move for talented UCL star

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a player who has constantly been on Villa’s shortlist in recent months, with the Crystal Palace star a talent who has massively caught the eye.

The Frenchman has scored eight league goals this season, which no doubt prompted interest from Emery’s men, with the talisman even handing in a transfer request at Selhurst Park.

However, the Villans’ interest in the 28-year-old has cooled in recent days, with Nottingham Forest and AC Milan seemingly battling it out for the forward’s signature before the window closes.

Mateta isn’t the only attacking option currently on their shortlist, with Inter Milan star Luis Henrique another player who’s on the radar ahead of the transfer deadline.

According to Inter News via Sport Witness, Villa are one of numerous Premier League clubs keen on a winter move to land the Brazilian star, who is free to leave the Serie A side.

The report also states that the winger would be open to a move to England this window, but it’s unclear how much a deal would cost to prise him away from Inter.

However, Bournemouth appeared to have jumped into the lead for his signature, but the 24-year-old isn’t totally convinced over a move to the Vitality, which hands Villa a chance to storm into the race.

Why Henrique would be perfect for Abraham at Villa

Earlier this week, Villa fans were handed the fairytale return of striker Tammy Abraham, after an £18m deal was agreed with Besiktas for the talisman’s signature.

The Englishman spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa Park, in a spell where he netted 26 times in 40 appearances – subsequently firing the club back to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old arrives back in the West Midlands after scoring 13 times in his 26 appearances for the Turkish outfit, subsequently offering Emery’s side an added attacking option.

Such a record showcases that the forward still possesses the same clinical edge he offered during his previous stint at Villa, with the move no doubt bolstering the club’s chances of success this season.

However, a move for Henrique before the window closes could aid the talisman in his quest for success during his second stint, with the forward a player who likes to create carnage in attacking areas.

Whilst he’s only registered one goal contribution so far this season, his underlying stats from his time at the San Siro showcase the talent he possesses within the final third.

Henrique, who’s been dubbed “extraordinary” by international boss Carlo Ancelotti, has created 1.5 chances per 90 this campaign, with 0.4 which being defined as big chances.

Both of the aforementioned figures rank him in the top 10% of all players in Italy this season, which demonstrates the threat he carries when in possession around the opposition’s box.

He’s also completed 42% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst registering 2.2 touches in the opposition box per 90, which further reaffirms his talent in possession.

Henrique has also completed 35% of the crosses he’s attempted this season, which could fall perfectly into the path of Abraham, who could benefit from the winger’s excellent delivery.

Other tallies, such as 86% passes completed and 44% long ball accuracy, showcase his ability to pick out a teammate, which could allow the £18m to benefit massively in front of goal.

The deal for Abraham has no doubt injected further optimism into the fanbase that this season will be one to remember, with the forward hopefully emulating his previous stint at Villa Park.

As for a move for the Inter star, it would no doubt aid the centre-forward’s chances of success in the final third, with the pair able to create an excellent partnership in the near future.

Should they hit the ground running together, there’s no reason why Emery’s men can’t mount a title charge in the second half of the season, whilst also having the chance to secure European glory.

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