Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a January transfer window move to bring former fan favourite Tammy Abraham back to Villa Park, as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad for a sustained Premier League title challenge.
Villa's Striking Solution and Title Ambitions
The Midlands club, sitting third in the Premier League table and just six points behind leaders Arsenal, believe new signings could be crucial for the second half of the season. According to The Telegraph, a key target is Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is currently on a season-long loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas.
Abraham enjoyed a spectacular loan spell at Villa from Chelsea during the 2018/19 campaign, scoring 26 goals in 40 Championship appearances to fire the club to promotion via the play-offs. Villa have maintained a long-standing interest, with a deal reportedly agreed with Roma in the summer of 2023 before the striker suffered a serious ACL injury.
Complex Deal and High Wages
Securing the 27-year-old's signature this month, however, presents significant complications. His loan at Besiktas includes an option for the Turkish club to make the move permanent for £11.2 million in the summer. Furthermore, Abraham commands substantial weekly wages of £115,000, which would represent a major investment for Villa.
Despite the hurdles, Abraham's form in Turkey has been impressive, making him an attractive proposition for a Villa side seeking more firepower.
Midfield Reinforcements and an Elliott Dilemma
Abraham is not the only former Chelsea player on Villa's radar. The report also states that the club is interested in midfielder Conor Gallagher, who could be available from Atletico Madrid during this transfer window.
Meanwhile, Villa are seeking a 'solution' for the situation surrounding Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott. The young midfielder has started just one Premier League game for Villa and has been omitted from the matchday squad for the last 13 league fixtures, including the recent FA Cup tie against Tottenham.
A complicating factor is that, having already played for Liverpool this season before his loan move, FIFA regulations prevent him from being recalled and then joining another club in Europe. This leaves Villa with a decision on how best to manage the player's situation for the remainder of the campaign.
Unai Emery's side are clearly acting decisively in the market to capitalise on their outstanding league position, with a proven goalscorer like Tammy Abraham at the top of their wishlist as they aim to upset the established order at the Premier League's summit.
