Aston Villa set sights on Jonathan Rowe deal as scouts 'very impressed by him'
Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe after keeping a close eye on his performances in Serie A.
The 23-year-old is believed to be eyeing a return to English football, while Unai Emery is keen to bolster his squad in the wide areas before the start of the new season.
Villa are believed to have been admirers of the winger since his time at Norwich, and have been keeping tabs on his progress since he left the club on loan in 2024.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club's recruitment team have been doing their due diligence on Rowe and have been impressed by what they've seen.
Having now spent time in France with Marseille and then Italy with Bologna, Villa are prepared to bring him back to English football for a shot in the Premier League.
Emery's plans to bolster his wide options have seen the club reignite their long-standing interest in Rowe, and after scouting him in Italy, they could now make a move.
Could Aston Villa make a move to sign Jonathan Rowe?
Football Insider revealed on 12 July that Aston Villa are aiming to sign a top-class winger this summer amid growing interest in RB Leipzig's Norway star Antonio Nusa.
However, they have now set their sights on Rowe, who is expected to be available after just one year in Italy where he racked up eight goals and five assists in 43 appearances.
Rowe also impressed Emery's side when he scored during their 3-1 Europa League quarter final victory, and they are now exploring a move to bring him to Villa Park.
"Aston Villa have had scouts watching Rowe closely this season," Brown told Football Insider.
"They've done their due dilligence, they will know all about him, the pros and cons and what he will add to their team if they can bring him in.
"From what I've heard, they rate him highly and they have been very impressed by what they've seen from him out in Italy.
"Unai Emery is looking to sign a new winger this summer, and Rowe is somebody who has been on the radar since his time at Norwich, but now he's also got the experience under his belt of playing abroad.
"Aston Villa have been keeping a close eye on his development and could now bring him back to England, where I'm sure he would be interested in playing in the Premier League.
"A lot might depend on how much his club are asking for, but Aston Villa may have money to spend after selling players, so they could now make a move."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Rowe?
Aston Villa are not the only club interested in signing Rowe this summer as he eyes a return to English football, with multiple Premier League clubs plotting moves.
Leeds United have been among the winger's long-term admirers, having considered making moves for him beore he joined Marseille and then again before his Bologna switch.
Meanwhile, Football Insider shared reports that Chelsea are plotting a move to sign Rowe, with suggestions coming out of Italy that they are readying a formal offer.
A fee of around £32million has been mentioned, with the Blues keen to further strengthen their squad following the appointment of Xabi Alonso.
However, with Aston Villa joining the race and Emery's side prepared to offer him Champions League football, Rowe may be left with a bid decision to make.