Aston Villa are reportedly on the verge of finalising a transfer for young French forward Tidiam Gomis, an 18-year-old talent currently plying his trade at Caen in Ligue 2. According to football journalist Sacha Tavolieri, an agreement could be reached within days. However, it is anticipated that Gomis will remain with Caen until the conclusion of the current season before officially joining the Premier League club on a long-term deal.
This move is indicative of Villa's strategic planning, which prioritises not only immediate reinforcements but also the cultivation of talent for the future. Under the stewardship of Unai Emery, the club is actively seeking to enhance its squad through astute market manoeuvres, despite already possessing a robust team.
In a notable development, Villa have opted to sell Jaden Philogene to Ipswich Town, a player they acquired just last summer. This decision underscores the club's intent to profit from player development while simultaneously addressing squad needs. To fill the void left by Philogene's departure, Villa are reportedly pursuing another forward, Donyell Malen, with optimism surrounding a swift agreement.
Gomis has attracted attention for his impressive performances in Ligue 2 and is viewed as a potential asset to Villa's attacking options. His contract with Caen is set to expire this summer, and he is believed to be available for around £1.7 million, as noted in previous reports. Early discussions between Aston Villa and Caen have suggested a positive trajectory towards securing this promising young talent.
While Gomis's transfer to Villa appears imminent, he is expected to continue his development at Caen for the remainder of the season. This arrangement will allow him to further hone his skills before joining Villa for pre-season training. Such a strategy aligns with the club's commitment to nurturing young talent, enabling Gomis to acclimatise to the rigours of professional football in France before making the leap to the Premier League.
Upon his eventual transfer, Gomis is anticipated to sign a five-year contract with Aston Villa, reflecting the club’s dedication to investing in one of the most promising prospects in French football. Remaining with Caen in the interim will undoubtedly be beneficial for his growth, and under Emery's guidance, Gomis could emerge as a significant player for Villa in the years to come. This strategic move exemplifies Aston Villa's ambition to construct a competitive squad capable of thriving in the upper echelons of English football.