Aston Villa now want to re-sign former star to keep title challenge alive
Aston Villa remain in the Premier League title conversation, but their challenge suffered a significant blow following recent dropped points.
Unai Emery’s side currently sit third in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal after their goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night raised serious questions about their ability to sustain a title push.
Villa enjoyed a remarkable 11-game winning streak in all competitions during December, including memorable comeback victories over Leeds United, Brighton and Chelsea that saw them earn 18 points from losing positions this season.
However, their failure to find the net against an out-of-form Palace side who were winless in six league matches represented a significant missed opportunity.
The stalemate ended a 10-game scoring run for Villa in the Premier League.
Striker Ollie Watkins had scored four goals in his previous three games but was denied by Dean Henderson’s save, Maxence Lacroix’s goal-line block and the woodwork late on.
Palace have become Villa’s bogey team in recent seasons, with this marking the seventh match in all competitions that Emery’s side have failed to beat them.
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Villa’s earlier 4-1 defeat at the Emirates against Arsenal brought their 11-game winning run to a shuddering halt. The humbling loss demonstrated the gap between themselves and the league leaders, with Arsenal’s second-half display underlining just how devastating Mikel Arteta’s side can be when firing on all cylinders.
Emery recognizes that improved depth represents crucial to maintaining any realistic title challenge.
The Spaniard has moved decisively in the January window, with Villa having already agreed a deal to sign Brazilian teenager Alysson from Gremio for £8.7m excluding add-ons.
Villa are also in the mix to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, with reports stating Emery’s side are looking to sign the 25-year-old England international on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
The Villans face competition from Newcastle and Tottenham for Gallagher’s signature, but Atlético are rumoured to be open to a loan exit with an obligation to buy, with the midfielder seeking regular game time to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Alongside the former Chelsea star, a report from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath now reveals this afternoon that Villa are considering a reunion with Tammy Abraham.
Aston Villa eyeing January move for Tammy Abraham
As per the reporter, via X, Villa are eyeing a January move to re-sign Abraham amid his productive loan stint at Besiktas.
The 28-year-old striker is currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma and has rediscovered his goalscoring touch in Turkey, netting 12 goals and providing three assists across 24 appearances in all competitions this season.
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Abraham has fired on all cylinders since joining the Süper Lig giants in July, averaging 0.55 goals per game and playing 1,726 minutes for his new club.
The England international has particularly impressed in European competition, scoring a hat-trick in Besiktas’s 4-1 victory over Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic during the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
Abraham enjoyed a legendary loan spell at Villa Park during the 2018-19 season, firing 26 goals in 40 Championship appearances to spearhead their promotion via the play-offs under Dean Smith.
However, the striker’s move to Besiktas is set to become permanent for around £11 million depending on specific conditions. His weekly wages of around £115,000 could complicate any potential January transfer too, with Roma holding his registration until June 2026.
It remains to be seen how Villa will navigate this, but the interest is apparently there.
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