Aston Villa exploring move for Brazilian striker Alysson | OneFootball

Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Gremio forward Alysson (19) as they look to strengthen their attacking options in January.

The Athletic reports that Villa are expected to make a formal offer for the 19-year-old, who fits the profile of the wide forward Unai Emery wants to add to his squad. Alysson has made an impression in Brazil’s top flight this season, scoring once and providing two assists, and Villa are understood to have registered strong interest in recent weeks.

Emery is keen to add competition and depth in attacking areas, and the club are also targeting a new centre-forward to support Ollie Watkins during a busy second half of the season. Watkins has led the line impressively, but Villa believe an additional striker will be needed as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.

Villa’s transfer planning comes at a time when the team are flying high in the Premier League. Saturday’s 2-1 win over leaders Arsenal moved them to within three points of the top, further strengthening belief that they can sustain a challenge at the upper end of the table.

They are also well placed in Europe, sitting third in their Europa League group and on track to reach the knockout stages.

GFN | Finn Entwistle