AdminThe £116m sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea was a major setback for Aston Villa, but Unai Emery’s side have repeatedly shown they can remain competitive without relying on one individual.
Alejandro Garnacho has arrived on loan from Chelsea for the season, with a conditional purchase clause included.
The Argentine is expected to fill the void left by Rogers on the left, although there are doubts over whether he can immediately produce the same level of impact.
Garnacho has struggled for consistency in recent Premier League seasons and should not be expected to replicate Rogers’ influence from day one, particularly after the England international was described by Jamie Redknapp as “one of the world’s best”.
With Ollie Watkins also enduring inconsistent spells in front of goal last season, Villa need greater attacking support.
That has raised the possibility of a reunion between Emery and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, although the Senegal international may not be the ideal answer.
Jackson managed only three goals and three assists in 27 appearances under Emery at Villarreal.
His finishing remains a concern, having scored 24 Premier League goals across two seasons while missing 43 big chances.
Villa could instead turn their attention to Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade, who has reportedly been told he can leave this summer.
The German, who joined Newcastle for £69m, has attracted interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and clubs in Germany, while Villa are also reportedly interested.
Woltemade could offer Emery greater efficiency in front of goal. His Premier League conversion rate last season was 25%, compared with Jackson’s 13% during the 2024/25 campaign.
Journalist Bence Bocsak has even described Woltemade as “one of the best finishers in Europe”.
The 24-year-old endured an inconsistent first season at Newcastle but could flourish at Villa Park, where Emery’s system may provide the platform for him to develop into a top-level striker.
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