Aston Villa targets Marco Asensio and Joao Felix in transfer hunt

Villa eyes attacking reinforcements as Emery considers Asensio and Felix.

Aston Villa fans react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase match at Villa Park on January 29, 2025, in Birmingham, England. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Aston Villa is actively exploring options to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes, with Marco Asensio and Joao Felix among the players under consideration. Villa manager Unai Emery has long admired Asensio, currently at Paris Saint-Germain, and has previously expressed interest in bringing the Spanish international to the Premier League.

Similarly, the club has tracked Chelsea’s Portuguese forward Joao Felix for several transfer windows. Villa made attempts to sign the 25-year-old both last summer and in early 2023, and his availability has once again put him on their radar.

Villa’s need for an attacking addition has intensified following the departure of Emiliano Buendia to Bayer Leverkusen and the imminent sale of Jhon Duran to Saudi club Al Nassr. The Colombian forward has already completed his medical ahead of a €77 million transfer, leaving Villa short on attacking options.

Unai Emery’s pursuit of Marco Asensio

Emery has been a long-time admirer of Asensio, and his potential availability presents an enticing prospect for Villa. The Spanish playmaker, 29, moved to PSG from Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 and has contributed two goals in 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season. However, with PSG boasting a wealth of attacking talent, his role in Luis Enrique’s squad has been somewhat limited.

Asensio’s technical ability, versatility, and experience at the highest level make him an attractive option for Villa. He can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger, a flexibility that could be valuable to Emery as he looks to bolster his squad for the second half of the season.

Joao Felix’s uncertain future

Felix’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain as the club assesses its attacking options in the final days of the transfer window. The 25-year-old has struggled for consistency since his arrival from Atletico Madrid, scoring just one goal in 12 Premier League appearances this season.

The Athletic recently reported that Chelsea might be looking to sign a new forward before the window closes, which could pave the way for Felix’s departure. Villa, having previously expressed interest in the Portuguese attacker, could take advantage of the situation and make a move if Chelsea is open to letting him leave.

Felix’s talent is unquestionable, but he has yet to find stability in his club career. A move to Villa Park under Emery, who has a track record of developing attacking players, could provide him with the right environment to regain his best form.

Aston Villa’s transfer strategy

Villa’s interest in Asensio and Felix aligns with their strategy of reinforcing the squad with high-quality attacking options. With the team competing for European qualification, adding an experienced forward is a priority for Emery and the club’s recruitment team.

The departures of Buendia and Duran have left Villa in need of reinforcements, and securing a player with Asensio or Felix’s pedigree would be a significant boost. While both players come with different skill sets, they share the ability to create and score goals, making them ideal candidates for Villa’s attacking plans.

Potential hurdles in securing a deal

Despite Villa’s interest, signing either Asensio or Felix may not be straightforward. PSG is unlikely to let Asensio leave easily, given his ability to provide depth in multiple attacking roles. Similarly, Chelsea may choose to retain Felix unless they secure a replacement before the window closes.

Financial considerations will also play a role. Villa has shown ambition in the transfer market, but securing high-profile players like Asensio or Felix could require significant investment. The club will need to negotiate favorable terms if they are to bring in either player before the deadline.

As the transfer window nears its conclusion, Villa’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements will be a key storyline to watch. Whether they can finalize deals for Asensio, Felix, or another target remains to be seen, but their intent to strengthen the squad is clear.

With Villa competing at the top end of the Premier League table, Emery is determined to add quality players who can make an immediate impact. If they succeed in securing either Asensio or Felix, it could be a major boost for their ambitions in the second half of the season.