After failing to score in the first handful of Premier League games this campaign, Aston Villa have endured a remarkable turnaround of form under Unai Emery.
The Spaniard has led the Villans on an incredible run of 12 wins in their last 13 matches, a purple patch of form which has led the club to second in England’s top-flight.
Emery’s men now sit third in the league after the first 20 matches, just six points off leaders Arsenal, with the first-team undoubtedly a once-unlikely title fight.
They also remain in the Europa League with a huge chance of claiming European glory before the end of the campaign – something which would create yet more new history.
However, if they are to achieve any form of success in the months ahead, the hierarchy will likely have to invest further into the playing squad to bolster the quality and depth at the manager’s disposal.
Aston Villa preparing move for top-level talisman in January
Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa have been one of numerous Premier League sides in the race to land Manchester City star Omar Marmoush during the current window.
The Egyptian joined the Citizens for a reported £59m last winter, after making just two starts in the Premier League so far this campaign – resulting in no goals scored.
However, any deal would likely be a temporary one, but it remains unclear at present if Pep Guardiola’s side would sanction a move to a title rival in the coming weeks.
He’s not the only player currently in their sights this January, with Real Madrid youngster Gonzalo Garcia another player the board are considering a move for this winter.
According to one Spanish outlet, Emery’s side have opened talks and already tabled a bid in the region of £30m for the 21-year-old who’s scored three times in LaLiga to date.
The report also states that Xabi Alonso’s men don’t want to lose the Spaniard this window, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to navigate in the week ahead.
Why Garcia would be the perfect Watkins upgrade
Over recent seasons, Ollie Watkins has been Villa’s leading talisman, often popping up and providing the goods in front of goal during their recent revival in the Premier League.
He’s registered 60 goals across all competitions in the last three seasons, arguably being the perfect 20-goal-a-season striker that every manager craves.
However, as a result, he’s been touted with various moves to other English sides, with Arsenal just one of the clubs who have constantly been in pursuit of his signature.
At 30, there’s no denying that he’s now entering the final years of his professional career, which could lead the board to explore new long-term solutions in the final third.
As a result, a move for Garcia could prove to be a viable one, with the youngster potentially the perfect long-term successor to Watkins in the West Midlands.
However, he’s already demonstrated his class despite his tender age, even outperforming the Englishman in various key areas during the 2025/26 campaign.
Garcia, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by one journalist, has achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, arguably being a more clinical option in the final third.
How Garcia & Watkins compare in 2025/26 to date
Statistics (per 90)
Garcia
Watkins
Games played
14
20
Goals & assists
3
8
Shot on target rate
57%
42%
Pass accuracy
83%
67%
Key passes
1.1
0.6
Passes into final third
1.4
0.3
Shot-creating actions
2.1
1.6
Aerials won
75%
44%
Stats via FBref
He netted his first senior hat-trick against Real Betis this weekend, with his perfect hat-trick showcasing his phenomenal ability to find the back of the net – no matter how the ball falls to him.
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The Spaniard has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third per 90 – showcasing his creativity for those around him.
He’s also won more of the aerials he’s entered, along with more shot-creating actions, showcasing his all-round dominance over Watkins with the ball at his feet.
At £30m, it could be an incredible piece of business for Villa and Garcia, with the youngster having all the tools to develop into a top-level centre-forward in the years ahead.
As for Watkins, the competition for places could aid the Englishman to reach the next level, whilst also handing the club another talented option within the final third.
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