Aston Villa are reportedly among a few Premier League clubs interested in signing Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.
Nottingham Forest have been keen to fend off interest in the Wales international this summer, but various suitors have been circling to test their resolve. Brentford have had two bids rejected by the Tricky Trees, with Steve Cooper’s side believed to be holding out for £40m-plus add-ons for their star forward.
According to Football Insider, Brennan Johnson is a big target for Aston Villa, who have registered their interest in the Nottingham Forest player ahead of a possible swoop.
Johnson, 22, helped Forest to Premier League survival in the 2022-23 campaign, bagging eight goals and three assists in 38 games. Following his promising debut top-flight season, Tottenham have also been keeping tabs on development.
The report adds Johnson, who came through the ranks at the City Ground, is likely to become Forest’s most expensive sale if he is to leave the club amid interest from Premier League clubs.
Brennan Johnson to Aston Villa—Right option?
In Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, Aston Villa have enjoyed an impressive summer transfer window so far. They want a few more new faces to arrive at Villa Park before the transfer window slams shut, as Unai Emery continues to reshape his squad ahead of the 2023-24 season, which will see the Villans compete in the Europa Conference League.
Aston Villa could be set to continue their summer spending spree by making a move for Brennan Johnson. The Nottingham Forest sensation would suit the requirements of what Unai Emery and his coaching staff are looking for as he qualifies as a homegrown talent and already has got a taste of Premier League football, having helped his current side maintain their top-flight status last season.
While the Welshman has only played in the Premier League for just a season, he may help to form part of a flexible forward line alongside the likes of Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Diaby at Villa. The 22-year-old has the qualities to be a dream option for that Villa attack as someone who can feature out wide or through the middle as a No.9. Johnson would add pace, directness and intensity to Villa’s attack, whilst being an option to cover for Watkins when needed.
The Forest star is a player in demand, and Villa will have to pull out all the stops to try and lure him away to Villa Park. The forward has not long turned 22, but he has already clocked up over 100 competitive appearances for his club. All in all, Johnson looks like he’s be a solid signing for a Villa side eager to break into the top six next season.