Arsenal join Aston Villa in ‘race to sign’ 17 goal striker plus Newcastle United scouting defender

Another weekend of massive Premier League action kicks off today with the title, top four and relegation battle all still in the balance as the season enters the final few fixtures.

Aston Villa are still in with an outside chance of reaching UEFA Champions League qualification and could make that a more likely possibility with victory away to Manchester United on Sunday. Elsewhere, there are still plenty of transfer news stories making the headlines as the rumour mill keeps turning and the summer window fast approaches.

Villa have previously been linked with a striker who has netted 17 goals this season but it looks like they could face competition from Arsenal who they will have to go head-to-head with. Elsewhere, the midlands club have reportedly sent scouts to watch a young defender but the Gunners are also monitoring that player as are Newcastle United. Here are the latest Aston Villa transfer news stories on Saturday, April 29:

Arsenal join Aston Villa in the race for Ligue 1 hotshot

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in making a move to sign centre-forward Lois Openda from French Ligue 1 outfit Lens this summer. The 23-year old has previously been linked with Aston Villa who are still credited with an interest.

Openda has scored 17 goals in 32 league outings for Lens this season since his summer arrival from Club Brugge. The Belgian international is seen as another option to Ollie Watkins for Villa who are lacking depth at the top end of the pitch.

Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa scout defender

Per a report from 90min, Arsenal are still interested in Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda and were among the Premier League sides in attendance for Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Valencia. The other clubs who reportedly had representatives at the match to watch the defender were Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

It is claimed that the Gunners were keen to get a deal done for the 18-year old, who reportedly has a release clause worth €30 million in his Valladolid contract, in January and are retaining that interest going into the summer. Newcastle were also heavily linked with Fresneda earlier this year before completing a deal for fellow young right back Harrison Ashby from West Ham.