OPINION
Aston Villa are no doubt caught between preparing for both the Championship and the Premier League with the transfer window just around the corner – but a striker is an absolute must.
Current loanee Tammy Abraham will return to Chelsea after the Championship play-offs after scoring 25 goals for Villa, who will be left with Jonathan Kodjia as their only senior striker at the club from this season.
As reported by The Mirror (28/04), Villa entered the pursuit of Angers striker Stephane Bahoken with a view for a summer move – having already chased his capture last year.
With that in mind, French publication RMC Sport report that Angers are not opposed to seeing their star man depart this summer but only if the interested party meet their £8.6million (€10million) asking price.
Bahoken, 26, joined Angers on a free transfer at the beginning of the season and has scored only 11 goals in his first season in 30 appearances for the club.
This move would be a huge step back for Aston Villa, who would be required to pay a huge fee for a striker who is still untested outside of France, with only a poor loan spell in Scotland at St Mirren in 2013 to answer for.
The required fee for Bahoken is ridiculous, especially for a player that has never moved for a fee, never mind such a high amount.
Aston Villa would be better of putting faith in Jonathan Kodjia, a striker who is proven in English football and has the attributes to become a mainstay in the squad should he be given the chance.
The Ivorian also entered the Championship from Angers in 2015 after scoring 15 goals for the French club and only required Bristol City £2.5million for his signature.
Villa need to watch their money and Bahoken is not the sort of signing which suits them in the slightest.