Aston Villa open talks sign Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson as £40m exit news emerges
Aston Villa are actively exploring a move to sign Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, with the club willing sellers for around £40m, according to the Daily Mail.
The Welshman enjoyed a sensational first campaign in the Premier League last term, registering eight goals and three assists from all 38 games as Forest famously escaped relegation.
And according to the Daily Mail (13 July), conversations have already taken place and that both parties are interested should a deal be viable, with Brentford also interested in his services too.
It is believed that Forest are willing to sell their prized asset because of their Financial Fair Play concerns and a fee of around £40m should be enough to seal a potential deal.
Get him through the door
Villa’s window so far has been successful, with both Youri Tielemans’ free transfer from Leicester City and Pau Torres’ £35million deal from Villarreal looking like shrewd moves.
But if there is one position in Emery’s squad that requires desperate addressing it is indeed in attack and Johnson certainly represents a stunning and incredible business should they get it done this summer.
When a player stacked with Johnson’s tremendous and electric qualities becomes available for such a figure, Premier League teams will be silly not to take a chance on him. And it would be a major coup if Villa were to fend off interest to sign him.
In Johnson, the 22-year-old would be an instant hit inside Goodison Park and would represent the kind of addition that could drive their lofty ambitions both domestically and on the European front.
The Welshman is certainly ready for the step up in his career and a manager of Emery’s ilk, class and experience could do wonders for his development. This is a perfect move for all parties involved. Get Johnson through that Villa Park door, please.
In other Aston Villa news, Diego Carlos may have to fight for his place after Pau Torres update emerges.