Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been reacting to links involving Aston Villa and Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze.

The Lowdown: Chukwueze linked with Villa

Villa have reportedly made Chukwueze a top target following Unai Emery’s arrival in the Midlands and are plotting a move for the 23-year-old.

Emery is after a new A-list forward who can operate in multiple attacking positions, with Chukwueze capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder.

Hailed by ESPN journalist David Cartlidge as a 'ridiculous' talent who 'tortures' defenders, Chukwueze made 94 appearances under Emery at Villarreal.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Villa and Chukwueze, O’Rourke said that it could ‘be a marquee signing’ by NSWE, who have made plenty of big-money transfers over the last few years.

“Villa have made some big signings in the last couple of transfer windows, they’ve always been backed in the transfer market by their owners.

“Chukwueze has been linked with several clubs and a number of Premier League clubs in the past as well, so if Villa were able to bring him to Villa Park, I think he’d be a marquee signing for them.”

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-5/" title="Aston Villa latest updates!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Record move?

Villa’s current record signing is Emiliano Buendia, who joined from Norwich City in a deal worth €38.4m (£32.8m).

Reports have suggested that any club would need to pay around €50m (£43.5m) for Chukwueze, which could make him Villa’s most expensive signing of all time.

NSWE have seemingly promised Emery a ‘huge’ budget in 2023, so a swoop for Chukwueze could prove to be a solid first addition under the Spaniard due to his versatility and previous experience under the current Villa manager.