Unai Emery has now identified a ‘priority’ signing he wants Aston Villa to execute this summer, one to boost his forward line.
Aston Villa’s striker department is fairly healthy right now, with Jhon Duran a very capable backup for Ollie Watkins, even if the England international is among the league’s best.
The only issue perhaps, is the constant speculation surrounding Duran’s future, who is regularly linked with a move to Chelsea.
Villa may hope that any interest now cools after Enzo Maresca’s appointment in west London, which should see the side change their transfer plans.
But either way, with only two recognised senior strikers on their books, Villa do have space for a third.
It would seem unwise for Emery to recruit a striker who was first-team ready, someone who would demand to start 20 or so games, which simply wouldn’t happen.
And that explains why Emery now considers Stade Rennais’ 18-year-old Mathis Lambourde his ‘priority’ signing this summer.
Lambourde isn’t necessarily a well-known name across Europe, but the youngster has now been causing a lot of excitement.
Rennes striker Mathis Lambourde now a priority target for Aston Villa this summer
News of this interest comes via French outlet Footmercato, who say that Villa have been ‘seduced’ by Lambourde’s quality.
Emery is said to have been impressed by the youngster’s athleticism, his leadership skills and his winning mentality – a stellar mix.
Having now returned to the Champions League, the report explains that Villa are convinced that Lambourde could flourish in England, recognising that the striker still has so much potential.
Lambourde has perhaps best showcased his talent when playing for France’s youth side, particularly during the U17 Euros in 2023.
The striker scored against England in that tournament, a moment that will have caught the eye of scouts far and wide.
Lambourde is yet to really make an impression on Rennes’ first team, making just three substitute appearances this season, playing 17 minutes.
But with the potential the 18-year-old has shown, Aston Villa are clearly convinced that striker is ready to make the next step, and could develop well whilst playing understudy to Duran and Watkins.
All that considered, Villa may now be set for a FFP boost that dramatically alter’s Emery’s transfer plans.