Aston Villa stepping up their pursuit of PSG starlet Ibrahim Mbaye | OneFootball

Fresh off their sensational Europa League triumph, Aston Villa are wasting no time in flexing their continental muscles as the summer transfer window approaches.

They are stepping up their quest to bring Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye to Villa Park.

Villa have reportedly made a formal approach for the 18-year-old, with Champions League qualification set to strengthen their hand in negotiations.

Mbaye’s stock rose sharply during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he contributed three goal involvements to help Senegal reach the final.

Now named in the Teranga Lions’ squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, his profile is at an all-time high.

Born in Trappes and developed through PSG’s academy, Mbaye made his senior debut in August 2024 at 16. He became the youngest player ever to start a match for the French champions.

He registered three goals and three assists across all competitions this season, one of which was the clincher in PSG’s 2-0 triumph over Lens that secured Ligue 1 glory.

While the numbers are modest, they reflect the trust placed in a teenager by one of the world’s top managers at France’s most demanding club, evidence of qualities that go beyond raw statistics.

Mbaye is known for his explosive speed, flair, and ball-carrying ability – a profile that would give Unai Emery an exciting and direct option across the frontline.

However, PSG have shown little appetite to sell, with Mbaye’s contract running until 2028.