Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for one of the Premier League’s best players this summer to strengthen their squad for the Champions League, according to Sports Boom.
The Villans secured a spot in the top club competition on the continent by winning the Europa League, ending a 30-year trophy drought, while they also finished fourth in the Premier League.
Unai Emery is now looking to refresh his squad with options to make the team competitive once again, and a move for a top forward has been eyed as a top priority heading into the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa Eyeing Gibbs-White Deal
According to a report, Aston Villa have made a move to sign Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White their top priority in this window.
Gibbs-White enjoyed a spectacular campaign in 2025/26, netting 18 goals and registering seven assists in all competitions as the team avoided relegation and reached the Europa League semi-finals, losing to Villa. But as he enters the final two years of his contract, the 26-year-old is now attracting major interest.
Emery is understood to be very keen on bringing in a profile like Gibbs-White to his squad this summer, and views the transfer as a priority as he looks to ensure the squad can compete on all fronts.
Forest don’t want to lose their star man but are aware of his desire to play in the Champions League, and his contract situation means that they may be forced to sell in order to retain his value.
Last year the club fought back against a release clause and handed him a new contract, which removed the clause, meaning they can now demand whatever fee they like for the influential playmaker.
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Gibbs-White to Replace Rogers?
Morgan Gibbs-White
While Villa are keen to strengthen their squad, they are facing major interest in key man Morgan Rogers, and part of their thought process for this deal may well be replacing him.
Stylistically, both players are very similar. They like to play in the pockets between midfield and attack, have a great ability to carry the ball and beat a man, while they also have an excellent eye for goal and a pass. Gibbs-White was highly unfortunate to miss out on a place at the World Cup, such is his quality.
They could easily play together, with both players capable of filling in on the left if necessary. Emery is likely envisioning that likelihood within his planning, but the fact he could also be a replacement for Rogers would make it an even more perfect siging for the club.
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