New Delhi: Aston Villa are making a late push in the January transfer window as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad before the deadline on February 3. One of the key targets for Villa is Paris Saint-Germain winger Marco Asensio, with negotiations already underway between the two clubs. The Spanish attacker has been on Villa’s radar for some time, and with PSG open to offloading him this winter, a deal looks feasible.
Villa are confident that securing Asensio on loan would be fairly straightforward, especially since the player is keen on the move. Asensio, 29, joined PSG from Real Madrid in July 2023 on a free transfer, signing a contract that runs until June 2026. However, his time in Paris has not gone as planned. The Spaniard has struggled for regular game time under Luis Enrique, often finding himself on the bench behind the likes of Kang-in Lee, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Destiny Doué.
He has made 47 appearances for the French champions, scoring seven goals, but has been an unused substitute in three of PSG’s last four games. With the recent arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, Asensio’s chances of getting significant minutes have further diminished. PSG have made it clear they are willing to part ways with Asensio, offering him to multiple clubs in the January window.
🚨🟣🔵 Understand Aston Villa are in talks with PSG for Marco Asensio, one of the main names on their list.
Villa also made contact with Chelsea for João Félix earlier this week, another option depending on the formula.
Asensio would be keen on Villa move. pic.twitter.com/3Zi6niAliA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2025
If the deal goes through, Asensio would add valuable experience and versatility to Aston Villa’s attacking options. The former Real Madrid star can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even a false nine. His technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring threat make him a strong addition to Emery’s squad. During his time at Madrid, he won three UEFA Champions League titles, playing a crucial role in the club’s success. His pedigree in European competitions could be invaluable for Villa, who have secured a place in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League.
With the departure of Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr for £64.5 million, Villa have the funds to invest in attacking reinforcements. Asensio could be a smart short-term solution as Emery looks to maintain Villa’s momentum in both the Premier League and Europe. The club are exploring multiple options to replace the outgoing Jhon Durán and aren’t just limiting their search to Marco Asensio.
Other Attacking Targets for Aston Villa
🟣🔵 Aston Villa director Monchi also confirms Marco Asensio as a target: “João Félix & Marco Asensio? They are two similar players and Unai’s taste. Neither of them is easy”.
“One at the salary level, the other at the cost level. But yes, they are players who attract Unai”. pic.twitter.com/XHmRMFY6A4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2025
While Asensio is a key target, Aston Villa are also considering other attacking reinforcements. Chelsea’s João Félix remains Emery’s first-choice option, with Villa having already made contact over a potential move. However, negotiations with Chelsea have proven complex, making Asensio a more realistic signing at this stage. Villa were interested in signing Felix in the summer as well before Chelsea swooped in to prize him away as part of the deal to sell Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid.
Another name on Villa’s shortlist is Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, though the club faces stiff competition from Tottenham and other Premier League sides for the young French forward. Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has also been linked, as Emery seeks to add quality and depth to his attack. Villa have already signed Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia this month, but they are expected to bring in at least one more attacking player before the window shuts.
With just days left in the transfer window, Villa will be hoping to finalize the deal for Asensio quickly and strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead. The club are once again looking at players that provide them with quality Champions League experience with the likes of Malen, Felix and Asensio, all having played regular Champions League football. This was a huge factor for Villa’s summer signings and that factor has remained in their winter dealings as well.
Aston Villa are looking to boost their squad for the upcoming knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League and are in talks with PSG for the services of the former Real Madrid star. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
