Exclusive: Unai Emery Targets Real Madrid Star Gonzalo Garcia as Villa’s Top January Priority

Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia is top of Unai Emery’s Christmas shopping list, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Aston Villa boss is desperate to sign a new striker in January amid Ollie Watkins’ struggles this season. 

And our sources understand the Madrid striker is Emery’s number one target heading into the transfer window.

The renowned Spanish boss was eager to sign a striker in the summer to offer competition for England international Watkins and it is understood he has told Villa chiefs in no uncertain terms they need to strengthen in attack to have any hopes of qualifying for the Champions League this season.

Garcia, 21, is one of the most promising strikers in Europe and burst onto the scene with four goals and an assist at this summer's Club World Cup.

It is said that Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United are also interested in a January loan swoop.

Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge, who has bagged 21 goals in 32 games in Brazil this season, Corinthians hitman Yuri Alberto and Brentford’s Thiago have all been discussed in the Villa boardroom. 

In other Villa-related news, Ross Barkley is set to be offered a short-term contract extension after impressing in recent weeks.

BARREN SPELL 

Watkins has led the line wonderfully for the Villains since he joined the club from Brentford for £20million in 2020.

He has since scored 76 Premier League goals in 196 appearances. Only prolific duo Mo Salah (115) and Erling Haaland (99) have more in that time.

But Watkins' output has dramatically dipped this term which is a worry for those associated with Villa Park. 

Just one goal in 17 appearances in all competitions is a paltry return for the striker, especially in a World Cup season. 

To add to that goal drought is a lack of assists. During his time at Villa, Watkins has provided 37 assists, with 24 of those in the last two campaigns, and so far this season he is yet to add to that tally.