Aston Villa transfers: Two key reasons Europa League winners are keen on Femi Azeez

Europa League champions Aston Villa are expected to step up their pursuit of Super Eagles forward Femi Azeez from Millwall during the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Azeez has emerged as a transfer target for several Premier League clubs following an outstanding Championship campaign. The 24-year-old has also made no secret of his ambition to play in the Premier League, further fueling speculation over his future.

The Nigerian winger registered 19 goal contributions for Millwall last season, although the Lions narrowly missed out on promotion after suffering a playoff semi-final defeat to Hull City, ending their hopes of returning to the English top flight.

His impressive performances earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season, and his future is now uncertain, with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town all showing interest in his signature.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are actively pursuing both Azeez and West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.

Unai Emery’s side are eager to build a squad capable of securing another Champions League qualification while also mounting a stronger Premier League title challenge after falling short last season and several factors explain their growing interest in Azeez.

Aston Villa’s need for attacking depth

Aston Villa were genuine Premier League title contenders for parts of last season before their challenge faded deep into the campaign. This was majorly due to their lack of squad depth, especially in attacking areas which made it difficult to compete across multiple competitions.

The situation has become even more pressing following Jadon Sancho’s departure after his loan spell ended. In addition, Morgan Rogers has attracted strong interest from several clubs and could also leave Villa Park in a big-money transfer this summer.

As a result, Aston Villa are looking to reinforce their attacking options, and Azeez fits the profile they want. While he operates primarily on the right wing, he is also capable of playing in attacking midfield, giving Unai Emery multiple options during the course of the season.

With another Champions League campaign on the horizon alongside the demands of the Premier League, signing a player like Azeez would provide the squad depth Villa lacked last season.

A more affordable option than other attacking targets

Millwall value Femi Azeez at around £30 million and have already rejected a £20 million bid from Ipswich Town for the Nigerian forward.

While the fee is still a bit high, it is considerably cheaper than some of Aston Villa’s other attacking targets. Nico Paz, who is another player on Villa’s shortlist is valued at around £60 million by Real Madrid before they can agree any deal this summer.

Meanwhile, Summerville is valued at around £50 million by West Ham United and the Dutch winger has also attracted interest from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, which could see Unai Emery’s side involved in an expensive bidding war.

A move for the Super Eagles forward would therefore represent a cheaper option and would allow Villa to strengthen their attack with a player who has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Championship.

Azeez has already expressed his desire to play in the Premier League and with interest from several top-flight clubs continuing to grow, the 24-year-old could finally realize that ambition this summer.