Aston Villa aim to secure £40m striker signing despite financial hurdles

Aston Villa are reportedly plotting a remarkable return for former loanee Tammy Abraham, as AS Roma place a £40 million price tag on the transfer-listed striker according to TEAMtalk. The Villans will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in their pursuit of the England international.

Abraham, who enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Villa Park during the 2018/19 season, netting an impressive 26 goals in 37 Championship appearances, has continued to showcase his goal-scoring prowess across various leagues. The 26-year-old's first season with Roma saw him lift the Europa Conference League trophy, contributing 27 goals across all competitions.

Despite a recent ACL injury limiting his game time in the 2023/24 campaign, Abraham's talent remains undeniable. Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini has even tipped the striker to become "one of the best in the world," highlighting his immense potential.

However, Aston Villa's pursuit of Abraham may be hindered by their financial situation. The club must raise £60 million through player sales this summer, following the rejection of their latest Profit and Sustainability (PSR) proposal by Premier League rivals, as reported by Football Insider.

Villa's attempt to increase the permitted PSR losses by £30 million was met with resistance from their Premier League counterparts. Only two clubs supported the proposal, while 15 voted against it, and three abstained from voting.

Under the current regulations, Premier League clubs are allowed to incur a maximum loss of £105 million over a three-year period, and Aston Villa is believed to be approaching this limit, which could have significant implications for the club's transfer activities.

Villa's interest in Abraham coincides with the impending arrival of another former loanee, Ross Barkley. The 30-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a resurgent season with Luton Town last term, is set to join the Villans on a permanent basis.

The prospect of a partnership between Abraham and Barkley is an enticing one for Aston Villa fans. Barkley's creativity, athleticism, and willingness to venture into dangerous areas could provide the perfect service for Abraham to rediscover his scoring touch in the Premier League.

Abraham's traditional centre-forward style could complement the dynamic play of Villa's current striker, Ollie Watkins, forming a formidable attacking partnership.

Roma's £40 million valuation may prove to be a sticking point in negotiations for interested parties, particularly given Abraham's recent injury history. The striker's current contract runs until June 2026, providing the Italian club with some leverage in discussions.

As Aston Villa look to bolster their squad under the guidance of manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi, the potential reunion with Tammy Abraham and the prospect of a partnership with Ross Barkley could be a thrilling development for the club's supporters.

The coming weeks will determine whether Villa can secure the signature of the "goal machine" and former fan favourite, as they seek to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season, while simultaneously navigating the financial constraints imposed by the PSR regulations.