Aston Villa have reportedly enquired about Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu, and have lodged an offer for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr as Unai Emery eyes attacking reinforcements.
The January transfer window promises to be a busy one for Villa, as it will be Emery’s first opportunity to start to moulding and shaping the current squad into his own.
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Both incomings and outgoings are expected, but having now had some time to assess the group and identify where we need to improve, it remains to be seen where and who we look at to strengthen the squad.
According to Matteo Moretto, and as reported by Foot Mercato, Villa have enquired about Deulofeu, as the Spanish forward is a player that Emery likes. Further, the first report also claims that Villa have already made a bid for Sarr but that hasn’t been accepted by Watford.
In turn, it remains to be seen who emerges as a more realistic target heading into next month, and whether Villa believe one signing will be enough to bolster our options in the final third or if we need more.
That will also depend on whether or not anyone leaves in January too, and so it promises to be a busy but important transfer window as we look to improve and put together a group capable of competing at a higher level in the second half of the season.
Deulofeu, 28, has scored three goals and provided seven assists in 17 appearances for Udinese so far this campaign, and having gained experience at top clubs previously too, he could be a sensible signing to add more creativity and technical quality to the Villa attack.
As for Sarr, the 24-year-old has bagged six goals and three assists in 20 Championship appearances so far this season, and so it will be interesting to see who Emery has a preference for and what he believes we need to add as the two players in question play in similar roles but bring different strengths and characteristics to the team.
Further, should Villa move to bring in attacking reinforcements, it will be fascinating to see the knock-on effect for those currently in the squad and how much competition they face or possibly even an exit if they aren’t expected to feature.
