Aston Villa's impressive Premier League campaign could receive a January boost, but manager Unai Emery now faces increased competition in the transfer market. The Midlands club, riding high on a remarkable run of form, are keen on Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson. However, they must now contend with rival interest from AFC Bournemouth, according to fresh reports.
Mid-Season Tussle for Tottenham Winger
The January transfer window is set to open imminently, and one of the early stories involves the future of 24-year-old attacker Brennan Johnson. Aston Villa have been long-term admirers of the player, who is also reportedly on the radar of Crystal Palace. The latest development, as claimed by The Guardian, is that Bournemouth have entered the race.
The Cherries' interest is believed to be driven by the anticipated departure of their own forward, Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international is expected to complete a move to Manchester City, prompting Bournemouth to identify Johnson as a potential replacement. This sets up a direct clash with Villa's own recruitment plans.
Johnson's Career at a Crossroads
Brennan Johnson made a high-profile £48 million switch to Tottenham from Nottingham Forest in 2023. Despite a promising first season where he scored 18 goals and helped Spurs win the Europa League, he has found regular starts harder to come by this term under manager Thomas Frank.
The Welsh international is under a long-term contract in North London, which runs until June 2029. However, his limited game time has cast doubt on his future, making a loan or permanent move in January a distinct possibility. Before his Spurs move, Johnson was a product of Nottingham Forest's academy, making 109 appearances and scoring 29 goals for his boyhood club.
What Johnson Would Bring to Villa Park
For an Aston Villa side currently sitting third in the Premier League and just three points off the top, adding Johnson would be a statement of intent. His primary asset is blistering pace, which would add a new and potent dimension to Villa's attacking options.
His arrival would also provide crucial depth and competition in wide areas, supplementing the existing group which includes Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, and Donyell Malen. Villa's ability to secure any deal may be influenced by the situations of their current loan players, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho, whose futures need clarification.
Unai Emery's side are in formidable form, having won 11 consecutive matches in all competitions, including a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Chelsea courtesy of an Ollie Watkins brace. They face a pivotal test against Arsenal next, where a win would see them draw level on points with the Gunners. Off the pitch, the battle to strengthen their squad for the title run-in is heating up.
