Report: Aston Villa eyeing move for Premier League and England star | OneFootball

Aston Villa Plot £65m Morgan Gibbs-White Move Amid Forest Uncertainty

Aston Villa are exploring a significant summer move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with TeamTalk reporting that Unai Emery has identified the England international as a leading target.

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Sources indicate Villa are considering a bid in the region of £65-70 million for the 26-year-old, whose performances have again stood out in a difficult Premier League campaign for Forest. The Midlands club are pushing for European qualification and see Gibbs-White as a player capable of elevating their attacking options further.

Forest, meanwhile, face a fight for survival. After 25 matches they sit 17th, with 26 points from seven wins, five draws and 13 defeats. A goal difference of minus 13 leaves them hovering just above the relegation zone, and that precarious position is central to the uncertainty surrounding their prized asset.

Contract Situation and PSR Pressures

Forest moved decisively last summer to secure Gibbs-White’s future, extending his contract until 2028 in what was described as a club record deal in salary terms. That agreement followed Tottenham Hotspur triggering a £60million release clause in July 2025, only for the player to commit to the City Ground instead.

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However, as TeamTalk outline, that extension has not ended speculation. Ongoing Profit and Sustainability Rules considerations continue to shape strategic thinking at many clubs, and insiders suggest that if Nottingham Forest are relegated, interest from top flight sides would increase sharply, making his exit “almost certain.”

Even if Forest preserve their Premier League status, a substantial offer could test their resolve. A figure approaching £70 million would represent a major financial decision in the context of long term planning.

Villa Vision Under Emery

Villa’s interest is not fleeting. Emery is said to view Gibbs-White as an excellent tactical fit, capable of operating across attacking midfield roles, contributing creativity and offering leadership. He has registered five goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season, maintaining influence even as Forest have struggled for consistency.

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Tottenham retain admiration, as previously reported by Graeme Bailey, and could re-enter discussions. That possibility heightens the sense that Villa may need to act decisively should they formalise their interest.

For Forest, much will depend on results. A crucial fixture away at Wolves carries significant weight. Failure to secure points would intensify scrutiny on Sean Dyche, who only took charge in October but is already under pressure at the Tricky Trees.

Gibbs-White continues to lead by example, yet the direction of Forest’s season may determine whether this becomes one of the Premier League’s defining transfer stories.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Emery has steadily raised standards at Villa Park, building a side that competes with authority in the Premier League and carries genuine European intent. Adding a player of Gibbs-White’s calibre would signal that progress is accelerating.

He offers energy, technical quality and the confidence to demand the ball in high pressure moments. Villa have often relied on structure and organisation, but in tight matches a midfielder who can unlock defences with a decisive pass becomes invaluable. His five league goals this season reflect productivity within a struggling team, which suggests there may be more to extract in a stronger environment.

The financial outlay would be considerable. Supporters will question whether £65-70 million is the correct allocation of resources. Yet if Villa are serious about consolidating their place among the Premier League’s upper tier, investment at that level is inevitable.

There is also a sense of timing. If Forest are dragged into the Championship, competition for his signature will intensify. Acting early could define Villa’s next phase under Emery.