Michael Obafemi (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Southampton youngster Michael Obafemi in a bid to bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
However, they will have to face competition to secure his service as league rivals West Brom are also interested in signing Obafemi, as per the report. It is also claimed that £10m would be enough to take the Irish international away from St. Mary’s stadium.
Born in Ireland, Obafemi spent time at the academies of Chelsea, Arsenal and Watford before joining Southampton’s youth system. In 53 games for the club’s U18 and U23 sides, he scored 23 goals and excelled before making his debut with the senior team in January 2018.
He is one of the highly-rated youngsters in English football, having made 33 appearances for the Saints so far. However, he hasn’t received regular chances under Ralph Hasenhuttl due to the presence of Danny Ings, Che Adams, and Shane Long. Thus, Aston Villa should look to snap up the youngster this summer.
At the moment, four centre-forwards are available at Dean Smith’s disposal. Wesley Moraes scored just 5 league goals before falling victim to a knee injury and spending the rest of the campaign on the sidelines. Moreover, the Brazilian has been linked with a move to Lazio this summer and his departure could reduce their numbers in the attack.
Mbwana Samatta was signed in January to take over in the absence of Wesley but the Tanzanian also failed miserably. Scott Hogan, who just returned from a loan spell, has just one more year left on his contract along with youngster Keinan Davies. Thus, a striker is a must in the summer view for the future.
In that regard, Obafemi would be a smart addition for the future. The youngster has shown immense potential this season despite starting in just 8 games. He managed to score 3 goals and 2 assists and could only get better with experience.
The Irish international impressed during his youth days and has already made 33 appearances at the age of 20. And moving to Villa would also help him with regular game time and he can develop himself because, at Southampton, Ings has been in sensational and doesn’t look like giving away his position any time soon. This could hamper Obafemi’s progress.
With Samatta underperforming and the contract situation of Hogan and Davies uncertain, it is clear that Villa are in need of centre-forwards. And investing in the youth during this financial crisis time could help them reap rewards in the future. Thus, they should manage to lure Obafemi to Villa Park at the earliest.
