After failing to score in any of the first four Premier League games of the campaign, the majority of Aston Villa fans would have predicted a season of struggle.
However, Unai Emery has masterminded the first-team squad once again and has now put them within touching distance of current league leaders, Arsenal.
The Villans currently sit in third place after the first 21 matches of the campaign, subsequently creating a ten-point gap to fifth-place, which could result in another Champions League campaign.
If the side are to maintain their incredible run, which has seen just one loss in the last 14, added investment during the January window may be needed.
However, it’s unclear how much money the Spaniard will have at his disposal, but it hasn’t stopped the club from identifying numerous potential targets this winter.
Aston Villa to meet asking price for European star
Over the last couple of days, Villa have been named as one side interested in a move to Real Madrid sensation Gonzalo Garcia after his remarkable rise in recent months.
The Spanish striker has been selected to fill the role vacated by Kylian Mbappe, already making a huge impact as seen by his perfect hat-trick against Real Betis last weekend.
Undoubtedly, Xabi Alonso will want to keep hold of the talented youngster, but it hasn’t stopped the Villans from being tempted by a £30m move for his services.
However, he’s not the only player from LaLiga currently in their sights this window, with Atlético Madrid attacking midfielder Thiago Almada also a player of interest.
According to one Spanish outlet, Emery’s side are willing to meet the Argentine’s current £22m asking price in an attempt to inject further quality into the frontline.
The report also states that competition for the 24-year-old is high this winter, with the likes of Napoli and fellow Premier League side Sunderland firmly in the race for his signature.
Why Almada would be a Rogers repeat for Aston Villa
Back in January 2024, Villa decided to delve into the Championship to improve their first-team squad, subsequently securing the £8m signing of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough.
At the time, many stated the youngster wasn’t at the level required for England’s top-flight, subsequently scoring just three times in his first 16 appearances in the West Midlands.
However, he’s endured a massive rise to stardom over recent seasons, with the attacking midfielder now one of the club’s most important players and even a permanent England international.
Rogers endured a sensational 2024/25 campaign, subsequently ending the year with 27 combined goals and assists in his 54 appearances – helping Emery’s men reach the UCL quarter-finals.
The current campaign has seen the 23-year-old continue in the same vein, currently sitting on seven goals and six assists in his first 28 outings across all competitions.
Such a move will no doubt go down as one of the best in the club’s recent history, potentially having the chance to replicate such a move with Almada this winter.
The Argentine would follow the Englishman’s footsteps in moving to Villa Park during the January window, with the Atletico star having all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.
Almada, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Fernando Kallas, has already registered three combined goals and assists in just 11 league appearances for the Spanish side this season.
Such numbers highlight his incredible ability to create carnage within the final third, subsequently handing Emery yet another threatening option in front of goal.
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Thiago Almada – LaLiga stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
11 |
|
Goals & assists |
3 |
|
Pass accuracy |
84% |
|
Progressive passes |
7.7 |
|
Progressive carries |
3.3 |
|
Chances created |
1.7 |
|
Successful dribbles |
2.1 |
|
Dribble success |
67% |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
However, his chance-creating stats are just as impressive, as demonstrated by his remarkable tallies of 7.7 progressive passes and 1.7 chances created per 90.
If he can replicate such numbers with any move to the West Midlands, there’s no doubt Rogers would benefit massively, and potentially improve his own goalscoring tally.
Almada has further impressed with the ball at his feet, even being able to beat a man before going alone in attacking areas, subsequently registering a 67% dribble success rate to date.
£22m for a player of the Argentine’s quality is a bargain in today’s market, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue a move for his signature this window.
The prospect of the youngster linking up with Rogers at Villa Park is a truly exciting one, which could allow the club to achieve get more success under Emery’s guidance.
Aston Villa set to launch move to sign their best player since Grealish
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