Sources: Aston Villa set sights on signing ‘world-class’ striker as ‘huge’ funds set aside
Aston Villa have set their sights on signing an A-list striker this summer, Football Insider understands.
Manager Steven Gerrard wants to recruit a forward who can put fear into Premier League defences.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Villa are assembling a target list of “world-class” forwards capable of taking the Premier League by storm next season.
The Midlands giants are setting aside “huge” funds, the source added, for fee and wages for the potential signing.
This throws new doubt on the futures of current forward pair Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.
Both were signed for £25m+ fees over the last two summers but neither have been prolific scorers in a claret and blue shirt.
Watkins has scored just seven goals in 26 Premier League outings this term.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month (3 March) that Villa will listen to offers for the former Brentford man as Gerrard is not convinced he is the A-list striker he needs.
Arsenal are assessing the forward, who joined in 2020 for a fee of £28million plus £5m of add-ons, ahead of a potential summer deal.
Meanwhile, strike partner Ings has managed five goals and five assists in 18 Premier League starts this term.
Football Insider revealed last week (18 March) that the former Southampton man is a target for Brighton ahead of the main window.
The pair's potential departure could open the door for a marquee signing capable of taking Aston Villa to the next level.
The Midlands club sit only ninth in the Premier League despite splashing the cash in the transfer market this term.
According to Transfermarkt, Villa have spent almost £117million on incomings this season.
However, they remain some 12 points adrift of West Ham - who currently occupy the top flight's last European berth.