Premier League dark horses Aston Villa are considering the purchase of Aston Villa star Kelechi Iheanacho in the upcoming January 2024 transfer window. According to Fichajes, the 27-year-old is one of the strikers on the Villans’ radar.
The Midlanders have made a great start to this season and are in contention for the title before Christmas. Unaia Emery’s charges show no signs of slowing down and have already scalped Manchester City and Arsenal at Villa Park.
The main reason for Villa’s success this season has been the balance of their roster, thanks to an impressive summer transfer window in 2023. A repeat of that trick in January could give the Villans a second wind in their sails when it comes to maintaining their level of performance in the second half of the season.
A position that needs strengthening is up front, where Ollie Watkins is the only reliable specialist striker in the Villa squad. The Englishman cannot be expected to play 90 minutes every week without fatigue overtaking him. With the Euros next summer, Villa will be keen to ensure that its star player does not burn out.
Jhon Duran makes up Emery’s squad, but the Spaniard does not seem to have his confidence. With him expected to leave the club in January, Villa have now set their sights on Kelechi Ihenach.
The former Manchester City player has impressed at EFL Championship giants Leicester City and is currently helping them in their quest for promotion to the Premier League. However, he is far from the first choice at King Power and could be considered as a substitute if the right offer is made.
This is also helped by the fact that the Nigerian is currently in the final year of his contract with the Foxes. Leicester could risk losing him for free next summer if there is no departure in January. Now Villa would have to be responsible for an offer that the Championship leaders could not refuse.
Ihenacho, at 27, is in his prime and is used to playing the role of a reserve striker. He could very well fit into Emery’s plans and would give Villa the option they need off the bench in 2024.