Aston Villa tipped to gazump Man Utd for £40m striker target with Emery transfer priority clear

Aston Villa are reportedly ‘confident’ of signing Roma star Tammy Abraham this summer, despite interest from a host of European clubs. 

The former Chelsea striker has enjoyed a successful stint in Italy, but it is believed that he is now keen to return to the Premier League.

Now, Unai Emery could look to bring Abraham to Villa Park in a blockbuster move. A combination of him and Ollie Watkins is a mouth-watering prospect, so it will be interesting to see if they can get a deal done.

Villa have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence since Emery’s arrival in October. Indeed, the manager has masterminded the Clarets’ turnaround from relegation fodder to European football contenders.

Currently, Villa sit in seventh place in the Premier League table, just two points behind fifth-placed Liverpool. As mentioned, Watkins has played a key role in their success, scoring 11 goals in his last 15 games.

However, if they want to continue their incredible rise – they will need to spend wisely in the upcoming transfer window. And now, it seems Emery is targeting a new centre-forward as a priority.

READ MORE: Aston Villa transfers: Unai Emery orchestrates stunning double deal to deny Arsenal, Man Utd

Emery eyes ambitious Abraham swoop

According to a report from 90min, Villa are ‘confident’ of signing Abraham this summer. This is despite interest from ‘a number of top clubs around Europe.’

One of these teams is believed to be Manchester United, who are considering a number of centre-forward options at the moment.

However, he won’t come cheap, with a fee of £40m required to secure his services. This would be a new club record fee, with Emiliano Buendia’s £38m move (addons included) from Norwich currently holding that title.

Abraham could prove to be an excellent signing for Villa, if they can get a deal done. Since joining Jose Mourinho’s Roma in 2021, he has scored 36 goals in 98 appearances overall.

Although, the England international’s form has dipped somewhat this term, netting only eight in 32 league outings so far. Nevertheless, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.

Interestingly, though, Abraham isn’t the only England striker Villa are looking into signing.

Villa must choose between Abraham and Toney

As noted by TEAMtalk, the Midlands club are also plotting an ambitious move for Brentford star Ivan Toney. But, the Bees have slapped a hefty £50m valuation on the centre-forward.

Also, Manchester United, Chelsea, along with Newcastle are targeting Toney. But, one big issue could put them all off signing him.

In November, the 27-year-old was charged with 232 alleged betting breaches between 2017 and 2021. He was then charged with another 30 a month later.

Toney admitted to many of the charges but contested others, and could be banned for a minimum of six months.

It’s unlikely Villa would pursue moves for both Abraham and Toney, so Emery will have to decide which of the two strikers he would prefer.

Given the controversy surrounding the latter, though, it’s fair to say that signing Abraham is more likely at this stage.

READ MORE: Emery steers Aston Villa ahead of Newcastle, West Ham in race for rebellious midfielder