Softfootball has been notified that Aston Villa has identified French striker Randal Kolo Muani as a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins should their top scorer leave the club this summer, according to Sky Sports’ reporter Sacha Tavolieri.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side has so far kept a low profile in the market, with the arrivals of 18-year-old forward Zepiqueno Redmond and Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot marking the club’s only senior additions. The Villains are seeking to enter the transfer market for a potential replacement for the 29-year-old striker.
Sacha posted to his X handle stating Aston Villa’s interest in the French star if Watkins moves away from Villa Park.
“It’s moving for Randal Kolo Muani! Recent talks took place with Manchester United. Aston Villa could attack if Ollie Watkins’s sold.”
🇫🇷 It’s moving for Randal Kolo Muani!
🗣️ Recent talks took place with Manchester United. Aston Villa could attack if Ollie Watkins’s sold.
⚫️⚪️Focused on the Wissa deal, Newcastle United made also an approach in case Alexander Isak leaves.
⏳ More info coming soon.. #mercato pic.twitter.com/qqokbvFmPs
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 19, 2025Kolo Muani, currently contracted to Paris Saint-Germain, has re-emerged as a name of interest at Villa Park. The 26-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus and is widely expected to leave PSG this summer, having failed to lock down a consistent role following his £76m switch from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.
Kolo Muani, who has 12 caps for France and featured at the 2022 World Cup, would represent a high-ceiling option and a stylistic shift, a player capable of linking play between the lines while also offering elite pressing and transition play.
Although Aston Villa has been facing financial pressures lately due to the PSR ruling, the Unai Emery-led team wouldn’t want to enter the new season without proper preparations.
Meanwhile, Villa are not alone in their interest. Several Premier League sides are monitoring the French international’s situation, while Juventus are reportedly keen on bringing him back permanently. But should Watkins depart, Villa are prepared to act decisively.
Watkins’ future remains unresolved amid quiet but persistent interest from Champions League clubs in both England and abroad. While Emery would prefer to retain his top scorer, sources suggest Villa’s board are keeping contingency plans close.
However, despite the speculations from English clubs like Manchester United, Softfootball also reported the growing interest in Watkins from Saudi club Al Hilal.
Muani, during his loan spell at Turin, registered eight goals in 16 appearances in Serie A for Juventus.
