Aston Villa are actively pursuing new talent in the transfer market as manager Unai Emery aims to reinforce the team for the upcoming Premier League season.
Following an impressive top-four finish, the club is gearing up for a demanding campaign, with the potential signing of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest appearing more likely than a move for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams.
The club's financial concerns, which had cast a shadow over the 2024/25 season due to potential financial fair play sanctions, have been alleviated by the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus. This development, coupled with the expected departure of Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad, has positioned Villa to bolster Emery's attacking options.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa has a higher probability of securing the signature of Morgan Gibbs-White compared to Nico Williams. While the club admires Williams, his anticipated transfer to Barcelona makes Gibbs-White a more attainable target. The Nottingham Forest standout's potential transfer fee, surpassing £50 million, reflects his significant value.
Gibbs-White's journey at Nottingham Forest began with a club-record £25 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022. Since then, his exceptional performances have validated the investment, establishing him as a vital player for Forest. His creative flair and combative approach have earned him recognition as one of the Premier League's top attacking midfielders and wingers in terms of progressive passes and aerial duels won.
Gibbs-White's playing style could greatly benefit several Aston Villa players, particularly Ollie Watkins. Under Emery's guidance, Watkins has evolved into a well-rounded centre-forward, netting 27 goals and providing 13 assists last season. Gibbs-White's ability to alter the course of a game with his technical prowess and tenacity would perfectly complement Watkins' attacking skills.
Watkins' recent achievements, including his instrumental role in propelling England to the final of the 2024 European Championship, highlight his exceptional quality. With Gibbs-White's creative support, Watkins would be poised to maintain his prolific form. Gibbs-White's high rankings in passes into the final third and through balls per 90 minutes further emphasise his potential impact on Villa's attacking play.
Although Villa boasts a talented roster, they currently lack a player with Gibbs-White's specific attributes. The anticipated exit of Diaby leaves a void that Gibbs-White could effectively fill. While Emery's recent acquisitions of Samuel Iling-Junior and Jaden Philogene have injected energy into the team, Gibbs-White's creative qualities would introduce a fresh dimension to Villa's attack.
Despite Nico Williams' impressive showing at Euro 2024, his move to Villa remains unlikely due to wage demands and Barcelona's interest. The Catalan giants' situation and Williams' £46 million release clause further complicate the prospect of his transfer to Villa Park.