Report: Aston Villa set to battle Chelsea in the race to sign 23-year-old forward | OneFootball

Panichelli’s Rise and Premier League Attention

Joaquin Panichelli’s emergence in Ligue 1 has brought a sharp jolt of intrigue to Premier League scouts. The 23 year old Strasbourg striker, signed for a reported €16.5million, has cut through French defences with clarity and calm. Ten goals in 19 games, including that eye catching brace at Paris Saint Germain, have given his name weight in conversations at Aston Villa, Chelsea and West Ham.

There is a certain relentlessness in the way he finishes. A forward shaped by Racing Club and River Plate, sharpened further in Spain with Alaves, now looks comfortable bullying centre backs in France. TeamTalk reported that he is “one of the deadliest goalscorers in France” and the numbers hold up that description.

Premier League Suitors Circling

Villa’s admiration has been confirmed by transfer insider Dean Jones for TeamTalk who noted: “I have heard that Aston Villa are among clubs taking an interest in Panichelli, but they are not the only ones.” Chelsea’s involvement feels almost predictable due to the Strasbourg link, with Jones adding that they are “well versed on every aspect of him.”

For Villa the question is timing. Jones admitted: “I would be slightly surprised if it was for January because he would be a difficult signing right now.” Yet he also stressed that Unai Emery’s side “need another option up there” to support Ollie Watkins. The desire for depth is not about replacing a star striker but strengthening rotation for a campaign stretching across domestic and European fronts.

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Strasbourg’s Dilemma

Strasbourg face a familiar modern football problem. Develop a talent, showcase him, then lose him. Emmanuel Emegha is already expected to join Chelsea and Panichelli’s form hints at another looming departure. TeamTalk suggest Chelsea “will likely get first refusal” and that such a move could spark discontent among Strasbourg supporters.

Villa’s Strategic Window

For Villa this is about opportunity rather than urgency. Panichelli’s profile matches the Premier League’s growing preference for aggressive, technically secure centre forwards. His blend of strength, movement and clean finishing invites comparisons with forwards who have made smooth transitions from France to England.

Whether he arrives in January or beyond, his name will not disappear from these discussions. A striker delivering this consistently becomes hard to ignore, especially when the league’s elite start to circle.

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From a Villa supporter’s angle this report feels both exciting and frustrating. Exciting because Panichelli looks the kind of striker who could genuinely elevate Emery’s options. Any forward who scores twice at PSG and finds the net against Monaco and Lyon has something about him. At Villa Park there is huge respect for Ollie Watkins, but there is also an acceptance that he takes on too much of the burden. Supporters want another forward who can score in bursts, press with energy, and keep the standard high when Watkins needs a rest.

The frustration comes from knowing the financial picture is tight and that Chelsea’s involvement often complicates matters. If they have first refusal, it instantly puts Villa at a disadvantage. There is also the concern that chasing a striker this good in January might be impossible, especially if Strasbourg fear the backlash after Emegha’s exit.