Aston Villa set to challenge Chelsea and Arsenal for Porto star | OneFootball

Report: Aston Villa Join Chelsea and Arsenal in Race for €50m Porto Striker

Aston Villa’s ambitions under Unai Emery continue to gather pace, with the club now reportedly entering the race to sign Porto’s prolific young forward, Samu Aghehowa. Caught Offside reports that Villa have placed the 20-year-old striker high on their summer transfer wishlist, alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

Aghehowa has been in scintillating form since his move from Atletico Madrid last summer, scoring 19 goals in 31 games across all competitions. His rapid rise has inevitably attracted the attention of England’s elite, and while Chelsea were keen on him before his move to Porto, they remain interested in securing his services.

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Villa’s Growing Ambitions in the Market

Villa’s interest in Aghehowa is indicative of their increasingly assertive approach in the transfer market. With Jhon Duran leaving to go to Saudi, the club is seeking a high-calibre replacement, and Aghehowa appears to fit the bill.

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His arrival would offer Villa another dynamic forward option to complement Ollie Watkins, providing both depth and tactical flexibility for Emery’s evolving squad.

Premier League Rivals Pose Competition

Villa are not alone in their pursuit, however. Chelsea are desperate for attacking reinforcements, with Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency proving problematic. Arsenal, too, have long-standing issues up front, with Mikel Arteta still relying on Kai Havertz as a makeshift striker due to Gabriel Jesus’ persistent injury struggles.

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While all three clubs boast significant appeal, Villa’s project is undeniably an exciting one. With a growing reputation in England and European football, Aghehowa could be tempted by the promise of regular first-team football in a side that continues to rise.

Can Villa Compete Financially?

A potential stumbling block remains Aghehowa’s €50 million price tag. Porto are not under pressure to sell and will demand a hefty fee for their prized asset. While Chelsea and Arsenal may have deeper financial resources, Villa’s smart recruitment strategy under Monchi suggests they will only move if the deal aligns with their long-term plans.

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For Villa fans, this is the kind of transfer battle they have long wanted to be involved in. Competing with Chelsea and Arsenal for a top young talent signals a new era for the club. Unai Emery’s impact cannot be overstated, transforming Villa into an ambitious, forward-thinking side capable of attracting elite players.

Aghehowa would be an ideal addition. His goal-scoring prowess, movement, and ability to lead the line make him a perfect fit for Emery’s tactical setup. More importantly, his arrival would prevent an over-reliance on Ollie Watkins, offering a fresh dynamic in attack.

That said, the price is a concern. €50 million is a significant investment, and Villa must ensure they are not outbidding themselves in a competitive market. While Porto’s demands are understandable, Villa’s recruitment team will need to be shrewd if they want to land the forward without disrupting their wider transfer strategy.

Regardless of the outcome, Villa’s presence in this transfer race underscores their growing status. If they can pull off this deal, it will be yet another statement of intent from a club determined to establish itself among England’s elite.