‘If he could’: Unai Emery already eyeing up ‘marquee’ signing for Aston Villa in January now – journalist

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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will want to use the January transfer window to put his own stamp on the squad.

A report from journalist Pete O’Rourke, via Give Me Sport, suggests Emery already has his eyes on a big January signing.

Scoring goals has been an issue for Villa this season, although wins over Brentford and Manchester United have shown the potential in the current squad.

Danny Ings is the squad’s current top scorer with five goals, while Leon Bailey is next on the list with three.

However, for Villa to achieve their ambitions of being a top half, or even European force, they need a prolific, consistent scorer.

The report from O’Rourke suggests Emery is already eyeing up Lille forward and Canadian international Jonathan David.

David already has nine goals and three assists in Ligue 1 this season.

He’s recorded at least 12 goals in each of his last four league campaigns, and is one to watch at the World Cup.

Emery eyeing up move for David

Speaking to Give Me Sport about the 22-year-old, O’Rourke said: “I’m sure that they will be looking at the World Cup to see if there are any strikers that maybe come to their mind of being potential targets, which Jonathan David, I’m sure, might be.

“Unai Emery, I think, would like to bring in a marquee striker if he could in January.”

David isn’t the only forward Villa have been linked with since Emery’s arrival.

Milan Live also believe that the Villains are competing with Arsenal to potentially sign Marcus Thuram.

Emery has clearly identified that his team need a new forward and is aiming high.

It shows how highly David is rated that Champions League-chasing Newcastle are also keen on the striker.

Aston Villa’s new manager may not have fully settled on his tactical set-up yet, but wanting to sign David gives an indication of the direction he wants to go in.

The Canadian is quick, direct and can play either up top or in behind as a second striker.

He’s been compared by Smarterscout to Dele Alli, and has a fantastic output for someone who doesn’t always play on the last man.

David may not contribute to build-up play as much as Alli, but he’s certainly very effective in the final third.

Emery eyeing up David now gives Villa fans an indication of the level he wants this side to reach.