Five possible options Aston Villa could explore to replace Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby

With Moussa Diaby in the final stages of a move to Al-Ittihad and Jhon Duran inching closer to a move to Premier League claret and blue rivals West Ham United, Villa fans believe that one player will be needed to replace the pair. Between the two of them they contributed 11 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League last season so there numbers in attack will need to be replaced. I, as many fellow Villa fans do, believe that one player who can play in the No.10 position or as a second striker will need to be signed. This piece looks at five options that Villa could explore.

Eberechi Eze

Eze, who was part of England's Euro 2024 squad, is highly regarded as one of the Premier League's most exciting attacking players. Eze scored 11 goals and produced 4 assists for Crystal Palace last season and was a major influence on Palace's upturn in form in the second half of the season under new boss Oliver Glasner. Eze scored six goals from the final eleven games, including two against Villa, to help guide Palace to a 10th place finish (their best since promotion back to the Premier League in 2014). Eze is a player that thrives when in possession of the ball and his ability to glide past defenders with the ball at his feet is similar to that of Jack Grealish in a Villa shirt. His pace, trickery and knowledge makes him one of the best attacking players in the league. Eze often started for Palace in the No.10 position and has the ability to play on the left of attack also. This would potentially make him the perfect candidate to join Ollie Watkins up top. It is believed that both Manchester City and Tottenham are considering a move for the England international. Having lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich already this summer, Crystal Palace will be desperate to keep hold of Eze but an offer in the region of £70 million would likely be enough.

Joao Felix

Aston Villa have been heavily linked with a move for the Atletico Madrid forward in the last few days as it looks increasingly unlikely that there is a future for Felix at the Spanish club. It is also highly likely that Barcelona, for who Felix scored 10 goals for whilst on loan last season, are not going to try and sign him permanently. It has been reported that Unai Emery is an admirer of Felix and he could be the number one option. However, with the reports suggesting that Felix is or was on £250,000 a week at Atletico and the club demanding a fee in the region of £60 million, a deal could be difficult due to the financial implications. Felix has both Premier League and Champions League experience and despite his career not having taken off to the heights that was expected a few years ago, he would bring attacking talent in abundance and would elevate the quality of the squad.

Nico Williams

The signing of the Athletico Bilbao star is certainly a more unrealistic one for Aston Villa with Barcelona being overwhelming favourites to sign the Spanish winger. Nico Williams showcased his incredible ability on the ball at this summer's European Championships, with him and fellow winger Yamine Lamal playing a critical role in Spain's journey to lifting the trophy. Williams was linked with a move to Villa last summer but he chose to stay in Spain whereas it is significantly likely that he will move club this summer. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with him but Unai Emery is known to be one of the best coaches in world football and with his Spanish connection it could help to convince him of a move to Villa. However, this move is unlikely as previously suggested with the Nou Camp his preferred destination.

Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is another player that is potentially being considered by the club. His five goals, ten assists and consistently outstanding performances played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest's survival from Premier League relegation last season. Gibbs-White is a player who loves to create opportunities from the middle of the park and with Douglas Luiz's creativity in the middle now absent from the team, Gibbs-White could be the perfect man to create chances next season. He does not necessarily play in wide areas like Diaby does but he would be well suited to the role of second striker/No.10. With over 100 Premier League appearances to his name at the age of 24, he is an experienced player that would add great quality to the squad.

Raphinha

Should Barcelona sign Nico Williams, former Leeds United attacker Raphinha could be deemed surplus to requirements and be in line for a move this summer. With 6 goals and 9 assists in La Liga last season he was one of the best attacking players in the division and would bring Champions League experience to Villa Park. He also knows what the Premier League is all about having scored 17 goals in 65 games for Leeds United. Raphinha would again be well suited to playing the role of second striker to support Ollie Watkins and has the ability to play out wide if required.

UTV