Aston Villa are leading the race to sign an “amazing” new forward, who has now told his club he wants to leave, amid a poor start to the season.

Emery wants more from Villa despite recent resurgence

Unai Emery has silenced the speculation over his future as manager by guiding Villa to five wins on the bounce in all competitions, but the Spaniard still wants more from his players, despite the recent resurgence.

Speaking after the 2-1 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Emery said: “There is still work to do. Players need to increase their level, some of them have been injured.

“When we can have more players to choose from, it is better for the coach and our performance.”

Morgan Rogers is certainly rediscovering his best form, starting the Villans’ comeback against Tottenham with a remarkable strike, while Donyell Malen has also started to put in some much better performances, bagging a brace in the 2-1 win against Burnley earlier this week.

Despite improved displays from their attacking players, Aston Villa are still looking to strengthen their forward line, according to a report from Spain, which states they are the club best-positioned to sign Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo.

Villa have taken the lead in the race for Kubo’s signature, and there is a feeling a deal could be possible in the January transfer window, given that the forward has told the Spanish club he wants to leave, amid a very disappointing start to the season.

With Real Sociedad currently in the La Liga relegation zone, the Japanese attacker has made it clear he sees his future elsewhere, and there is a feeling he would command a fee of at least €30m (£26m).

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ByDominic Lund Oct 20, 2025 "Amazing" Kubo could be risky signing for Aston Villa

The 24-year-old has received praise for his La Liga performances in the past, being dubbed “amazing” by football scout Jacek Kulig, but he could be a risky signing for Aston Villa, having not exactly set the world alight in recent times.

The Japan international has registered just one goal and zero assists in La Liga this season, although he has impressed with his dribbling over the past year, placing in the 92nd percentile for successful take-ons per 90, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Opta also revealed the Sociedad star has been one of the Spanish side’s most influential attacking players since the 2022-23 campaign.

As such, Kubo clearly has the talent to succeed at Villa Park, and signing him could be a gamble worth taking for a fee of around just £26m.