Aston Villa are allegedly in talks with Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson this summer.
What is the most recent Aston Villa transfer rumor?
Unai Emery is going to be backed by NSWE with a “huge” transfer budget ahead of his first full season in command, and the club has already spent €33 million on Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
After his contract with Leicester City expired, midfielder Youri Tielemans agreed to terms with Villa Park this summer, and it appears that the focus is now on a new attacker.
Villa have reportedly had an initial €45 million bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby rejected, with Joao Felix also a target.Contact has been established with the Atletico Madrid front, but Villa face competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United, so it appears that they may switch their focus to Johnson.
On Thursday, the Daily Mail issued an Aston Villa transfer update, reporting that conversations about a deal for the Wales international had taken place.
Forest have already turned down a £30 million approach from Brentford for the attacker, but are understood to be willing to sell if a bid in the area of £40 million is made.
Johnson has many fans at Villa Park and is thought to be interested in a move to the Midlands amid encouraging comments from the player’s camp.
Brennan Johnson, how excellent is he?
Johnson, 22, shares the same agency as Jacob Ramsey and can play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or striker. He rose through the youth ranks at The City Ground and now appears to be at the pinnacle of his abilities, with a career-high €38 million Transfermarkt valuation.
Johnson has made 105 senior appearances for Forest, scoring 29 goals and assisting on 12 others. He had a solid first season in the Premier League last year as well, contributing 11 goals in 38 appearances to the Reds’ survival. Steve Cooper praised Johnson as a “fantastic player” and a “great finisher” after he scored the game-winning goal against Leeds in February.
“He’s a fantastic player, we know he has qualities, and he’s a fantastic finisher.” The guys didn’t get much service at the top of the pitch, but sometimes all you need is one moment.”
According to FBref, Johnson has been compared to Michail Antonio, Odsonne Edouard, and Danny Ings in the last 12 months and ranks in the top 12% of forwards for progressive carries, top 9% for crosses, and top 1% for defensive third tackles, demonstrating how he can bring more than just goals to Villa Park.
If a £40 million deal is completed, Emery will be receiving a player who will only improve with time, while also providing the Spaniard with an alternate option or potential partner to Ollie Watkins. Johnson might play in a wide area, behind Watkins, or as another center-forward, and the move appears to be one to watch in the coming weeks.
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