da fezbet： Aston Villa’s rise under the guidance of Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Spaniard taking the club from mid-table strugglers to consistent European challengers.

da aposte e ganhe： The Villans haven’t finished lower than seventh in each of the last three Premier League campaigns, allowing the club to recruit top-level talent due to their European status.

However, 2025/26 could see the club reach new ground, with a slim chance that they even go all the way and potentially secure title glory come the end of May.

The manager has led them to third place in England’s top-flight, currently sitting a handful of points off the summit, but also boasting a respectable gap to the chasing pack behind.

If the side are to make a late push for top spot between now and the end of the season, the hierarchy may need to dip into the transfer market and bring multiple top talents to the West Midlands.

Tammy Abraham already looks as though he’s on the way but more is required.

Aston Villa closely monitoring move for new Asensio

Over the last couple of days, Villa have been named as just one of multiple Premier League clubs currently in the race to land the signature of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian, who also has admirers from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, has already netted six goals in the Bundesliga this campaign.

However, the 19-year-old would certainly cost a pretty penny should the hierarchy decide to make a move, with the German club currently demanding up to £86m to offload their star talent.

Diomande isn’t the only young star currently in their sights this month, with PSG sensation Ibrahim Mbaye another option currently on their shortlist before the window closes.

According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Villans are closely monitoring a move for the 18-year-old, who has four goal contributions this campaign, with there a string of Premier League clubs who “would love to sign” him before deadline day.

He also states that Chelsea are firmly in the race for the winger, who has just returned from securing the African Cup of Nations trophy with Senegal.

However, despite Emery’s interest in the youngster, a deal could be tricky to navigate, with Luis Enrique’s men desperately wanting to keep hold of the teenager.

Why Mbaye would be an Asensio repeat for Villa

Signing players from PSG during a January transfer window isn’t alien to Villa, as seen by their loan move to land attacking midfielder Marco Asensio this time last year.

The Spaniard joined Emery’s men on loan for the remainder of the campaign, subsequently registering 21 appearances across all competitions and netting eight goals and one assist in the process.

The 30-year-old often popped up in key moments during the 2024/25 campaign, as seen by his second-half double at Villa Park against Chelsea in the hunt for Champions League football.

However, despite wanting a permanent move for the Spaniard’s signature, he decided upon a switch to Turkey, subsequently joining Fenerbahçe ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

There’s no doubt a move for Asensio would have handed Emery yet another key option in attacking areas, but unfortunately, such a move just wasn’t meant to be.

However, this window, the Villans have the chance to pull off a similar move for Mbaye, with the Senegalese star potentially following in the attacker’s footsteps.

The 18-year-old may be an unknown quantity to many Villa fans, but he’s already captured the hearts of the Parisians in recent years, despite his tender age.

His stats from the ongoing campaign showcase his talent in the final third, with such a move undoubtedly bolstering the club’s chances of securing a top-four finish come the end of May.

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Mbaye, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by one analyst, has completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst creating an average of 1.8 chances per 90 in Ligue 1.

Ibrahim Mbaye – Ligue 1 stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

15

Goals & assists

3

Passes completed

86%

Chances created

1.8

Successful dribbles

1.9

Dribble success rate

40%

Touches in the 18-yard box

6.4

Shot on target accuracy

40%

Stats via FotMob

Such numbers showcase his creative talents in the final third, which could allow the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers to reach the next level in the West Midlands.

The teenager has completed 1.9 successful dribbles per 90 at a success rate of 40%, with his mazy runs allowing him to get into dangerous positions before adding the finishing touches.

Mbaye’s tally of 6.4 touches in the opposition box per 90 also makes him a serious goal threat, with such a figure ranking him in the top 10% of all players in the French top division.

All the aforementioned stats showcase the talent he possesses despite his tender age, with Emery able to take him to the next level in his career with a move to Villa Park.

Given PSG’s reluctance to sell the teenager this month, it could make a deal tricky, but the hierarchy should be working tirelessly to help a deal reach its conclusion.

However, if he does move to the West Midlands and emulate the success of Asensio, it would be a phenomenal deal all round and one that could lead the club to new heights come the end of the season.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb