Aston Villa are closing in on the return of Tammy Abraham, with manager Unai Emery prepared to sacrifice up to £50 million of attacking talent to secure the striker on a long-term deal. The 28-year-old, who previously impressed on loan at Villa Park in the Championship, is in advanced negotiations for a four-and-a-half-year contract, according to sources.
Abraham, currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma, has attracted interest from several clubs, but the prospect of making Villa his permanent home has been a major motivator. However, Villa must navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) carefully. To facilitate the deal, Emery may allow Besiktas to take Evann Guessand on loan. Guessand, signed from Nice for £30 million, has failed to score in 12 Premier League appearances.
Abraham first excelled at Villa during the 2018-19 season, scoring 25 goals in 37 Championship games to help secure promotion. He later netted 18 times in his most prolific Premier League campaign for Chelsea before moving to Roma, where he scored 27 goals under José Mourinho. Injuries have limited his impact in subsequent seasons, including a loan spell at AC Milan last term.
Villa are also parting with Donyell Malen, who has flown to Rome to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move to Roma with a £21 million purchase option. The Dutchman, who joined Villa for £20 million last January, has scored seven goals this season. His departure leaves Ollie Watkins as Villa’s primary striker, though Emery seeks a more physical presence up front.
The club’s summer transfer window was hampered by PSR constraints, leading to late business. While Victor Lindelof has been a success, Harvey Elliott’s loan from Liverpool may be cut short to avoid a £30 million permanent fee if he makes five more appearances.
