Aston Villa strong favourites to sign Harry Wilson, Unai Emery’s a big fan

Aston Villa have now moved into pole position in the race for an “exceptional” forward, and manager Unai Emery is a big fan.

Villa keen on signing another forward after Mbaye

Ahead of the transfer window officially opening in just under a week’s time, Villa have been ramping up their pursuit of a new forward, and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye is in line to become their first summer signing.

The Villans are very close to getting a deal for Mbaye over the line, following an impressive campaign for the 18-year-old in Ligue 1, picking up three goals and two assists in 24 Ligue 1 matches, which earned him a call-up to Senegal’s World Cup squad.

Emery isn’t planning to stop there though, and with speculation surrounding Morgan Rogers’ future still rumbling on, NSWE have set out to sign another attacker, recently submitting a bid for Como star Martin Baturina.

The Serie A side have little interest in parting ways with Baturina though, and are set to hold out for £69m, which means it may be better to sign a low-cost alternative, especially given the financial constraints at Villa Park.

Villa move into pole position in the race for free agent forward

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now the strong favourites to secure the signature of Harry Wilson, who is set to leave Fulham upon the expiration of his £55,000-a-week contract this summer.

Villa are ahead of Premier League rivals Leeds United and Everton in the race for Wilson, who the Cottagers were desperate to keep, with Emery personally a huge admirer, and the Spaniard has now given the move the green light.

Former Wales player Kit Symons is also a big fan of his compatriot, saying last season: “This season he’s really come into his own. It’s the season he’s been threatening to have for a long time. He’s been exceptional for Wales as well and has had a brilliant all-round season. I’m delighted for him.”

The Welshman certainly earned the major plaudits, reaching double figures for goals in the Premier League, while also making the highest number of assists in Fulham’s squad.

Harry Wilson’s Premier League season

• Read more'Nobody is going to take the pain away from you'

  2,691 minutes played

• 10 goals

• Read more'I'm not interested in that'

  0.33 goals per 90

• 7 assists

• Read more'PSG are having their time right now, but our time is going to come'

  39 chances created

• 7 yellow cards

In the Villa squad, only Ollie Watkins found the net on more occasions than Wilson in the Premier League last season, and given that he is available on a free transfer, the 29-year-old could be the ideal addition to Emery’s squad.

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