Unai Emery eyeing double transfer swoop to fix key Aston Villa problem

The latest Aston Villa transfer news as Unai Emery is linked with a double swoop for rumoured attacking targets Bryan Mbeumo and Oscar Gloukh

Aston Villa are flying high and full of confidence after returning to winning ways against Fulham, though things will only stay that way if they anticipate problems before they take a hold.

Currently the goals are coming left, right and centre. On Saturday at Craven Cottage it was Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins adding to their tallies, whilst there are many more within Unai Emery's ranks who have proven themselves more than capable in front of goal.

However, the heavy fixture list - demonstrated this week by a three-day rest period between Premier League and Champions League duties - is gradually proving itself to be taking a toll. Specifically for Villa it is the creative areas of the field that have been hit hardest.

At different times so far already injuries have troubled the start to the season for John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia. The latest setback on Saturday too saw Jaden Philogene sent off after being brought on from the bench.

Also Morgan Rogers has been an integral cog in the machine, though Emery will know better than most about the risks of relying so heavily on the 22-year-old for almost every minute of action played to date.

This all stems from the decision to not sign an attacker or creative spark after the departure of Moussa Diaby late in the summer transfer window, however the latest rumours suggest the club have been biding their time to find the correct replacement - multiple, in fact.

A first rumour from TBR Football claims Bryan Mbeumo is high on Emery's list of targets. The 25-year-old has begun the 2024/25 campaign brightly with seven goals for club and country.

Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle United have also been linked with interest, completing a strong quartet of suitors allegedly keeping tabs. His contract is due to expire in 2026, however Brentford are said to hold the option to extend for a further year.

It would be interesting to see the Cameroonian link up with Watkins after so many years, with the duo a part of the so-called 'BMW' attack force that helped the Bees step closer to promotion several years ago. Speaking to L'Equipe before the season started, Mbeumo also suggested he wished to make a move.

He said: "I have spent five years at Brentford, at a club that has allowed me to grow and pass a milestone but yes, I would like to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs. It is tantalising to see some big clubs interested in me. We will see."

Also suggested to be on Villa's radar is RB Salzburg playmaker Oscar Gloukh. That is according to CaughtOffside, who have been following the progress of the Israeli talent with five goals and two assists to his name in Austrian Bundesliga action this term.

Again, Emery and Co would have to fight off strong competition for the player, who is valued at €35m (£29.1m). It is said Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle are fellow English suitors, whilst Champions League rivals Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also in the hunt.

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