Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly looking for a long-term replacement for England striker Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa bosses are eyeing a surprise move for Brentford strike sensation Igor Thiago. Villa manager Unai Emery has targeted the Brazilian as a long-term successor to Ollie Watkins, who was also signed by the Villans from the Bees.
The Spaniard has been keen to sign a new forward since last summer but has yet to secure a replacement for John Duran since his departure in January. Villa could now make a move for Thiago in the January transfer window, but the price won’t be cheap.
Thiago joined Brentford from Club Brugge for a fee of £30 million in 2024, but missed last season due to injury, but has been in great form so far this season. The 24-year-old had scored 10 goals in 13 appearances before Saturday’s game against Burnley.
Emery is a big fan of Thiago and is keen for Villa to lure Brentford with a £50m bid.
England star Watkins, who turns 30 next month, has scored just one goal in 17 games this season, raising concerns about his form.
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Brentford are understandably loathe to lose Thiago and believe they can force a place in the Brazil World Cup squad if he maintains his current form after the Selecao manager revealed they had made contact with him.
“He’s a pleasure to coach and a pleasure to be around,” the Bees coach said Friday. “He enjoys every moment he’s on the grass and is a real competitor in the game.
“We have been contacted by Brazil. They are well aware of his qualities and it is a big dream for him. So I hope that one day we can work together to make it a reality. It is Thiago’s desire to play for the national team.”
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