Aston Villa considering ambitious swoop for Chelsea forward after his valuation has plummeted
Unai Emery has done a fine job at Aston Villa since taking over and he is already eyeing up some potential targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
Since Emery took over at Villa Park in November, only four Premier League clubs have accumulated more points than the Villans.
As Aston Villa now sit 14 points above the relegation zone, it is only natural that they will have one eye on next season. Emery has done well in the job so far, but he will be keen on reinforcing the squad in the summer.
Villa seem keen on adding more firepower to the squad next season and they have been linked with an ambitious swoop for Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian forward hasn’t had the best of times since re-joining Chelsea in 2021–22. Following his £97.5million move in 2021, he scored just eight league goals last season.
Behind-the-scenes issues ultimately hampered his progress on the pitch and he has spent this season on loan with Inter Milan.
According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa have ‘shown interest’ in the Belgian forward as they are likely to be one of many clubs who are interested.
After allowing Danny Ings to leave in January, it is only natural that Aston Villa are considering strengthening this department.
Ollie Watkins has been in fine form under Emery and he is considered as their main attacking outlet. With nine goals and five assists so far, it has been an impressive season for Watkins.
Since their promotion to the Premier League, Aston Villa have been ambitious in the transfer market, but a move for Lukaku might be their biggest swoop yet.
What should Chelsea do with Lukaku?
It’s fair to say that Lukaku didn’t leave Stamford Bridge in the best of circumstances as he and Thomas Tuchel clearly didn’t see eye to eye.
However, with Potter now at the helm, there could still be a way back for him in London. Chelsea have struggled for goals all season and they have lacked the presence of a natural number nine.
While Lukaku hasn’t set the world alight while on loan with Inter this season, he is still capable of putting the ball in the back of the net.
Despite Chelsea’s lack of goals, Fabrizio Romano recently clarified that Chelsea are looking to sign a new striker and are not considering Lukaku for next season.
“Chelsea for next season are not planning for Romelu Lukaku as a striker,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.
“From what I understand, Chelsea have among their top priorities a new midfielder. They want a new No 6 in the midfield, for sure.
“This is something that was already in the plan months ago and for sure Chelsea will go for a new midfielder in the summer.
“But also important to mention [they want] a new central striker. Chelsea will be in the market for a new central striker and this is why Lukaku… we will see what happens with Inter.
“But in any case they will try to find a solution. Lukaku would love to stay at Inter.”
If Chelsea are to sell Lukaku in the summer, they would have to drastically reduce their asking price from the £97.5million valuation they paid for him.
