Aston Villa have now moved ahead of a Premier League rival in the race to sign a replacement for Harvey Elliott, according to a report this afternoon.
Aston Villa prepare for active January window
As Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed, the title-chasing Villans are looking to back Unai Emery next month and are working on possible January additions behind the scenes.
“Yes, they will,” Romano replied when asked if Villa would support Emery during recruitment in January.
“There is complete confidence in Emery and with Olabe and Vidagany at management level, they will all work together in the market.”
Villa suddenly find themselves in the middle of a race for the Premier League crown after making a statement by beating favorites Arsenal earlier this month.
Emiliano Buendia’s 95th-minute winner delighted Villa Park, with Emery’s side having passed every test thrown their way since then, including a 2-1 win over Man United at the weekend.
Their torrid start to 2025/2026, when Villa took five games to score their first goal of the season, feels like a distant memory, and they have every reason to be extremely positive heading into Christmas.
Aston Villa are now considering signing the Tottenham star after a pre-agreed deal in January
The Villans could be more active next month.
The club’s incredible run of 10 wins in all competitions currently makes them the most in-form team in England, not to mention one of Europe’s teams to beat at the moment.
Villa’s summer transfer window was marred by PSR roadblocks, with NSWE spending the least money of any Premier League team.
Now reports suggest they could invest more next month, having already reached a prior agreement to sign Brazilian sensation Alysson from Gremio.
After successfully negotiating this deal, Villa are believed to have their eyes on Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson.
Aston Villa plans to hijack Crystal Palace by opening talks with Brennan Johnson
According to TEAMtalk today, Aston Villa have made contact with Johnson’s representatives over a possible January move, threatening to hijack Crystal Palace’s move for the Tottenham striker.
The 24-year-old has fallen out of favor under Thomas Frank this season, starting just six Premier League matches despite netting 18 goals in all competitions last season, including the winner in the Europa League final against Man United.
Palace looked favorites to sign Johnson, with manager Oliver Glasner confident of agreeing personal terms as the Eagles looked to strengthen their attack.
Staying in London was also seen as attractive to the striker, who is looking to get regular minutes ahead of Wales’ World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Sources have suggested a fee of between £30m and £40m could be enough, with Tottenham open to a permanent sale or loan deal.
However, Villa’s recent intervention has complicated Palace’s plans, who could now ‘hijack’ this move.
Emery has identified Johnson as the ideal addition to bring pace and versatility to his front line, with the winger potentially replacing Elliot, whose loan from Liverpool is set to end in January after failing to gain the manager’s trust.
Tottenham remain willing to consider offers for Johnson, who cost Nottingham Forest £47.5million in 2023, although Frank would prefer to keep him for squad depth.
West Ham have also expressed an interest in the Welshman, but Villa’s title ambitions and financial resources could prove decisive in securing his services ahead of their London rivals.
Aston Villa are now preparing a £30,000-a-week defender, they are favorites
He would jump at the chance to move to Villa Park…
