Aston Villa tipped to battle Everton and Newcastle United to land £25m-rated lethal striker

European hopefuls Aston Villa are pushing to make the Turkish forward Baris Alper Yilmaz their second signing of the January transfer window after already securing the services of Borussia Dortmund star Donyell Malen.

Malen expressed great excitement to be joining Unai Emery’s side and returning to English football after a stint in the academy at Arsenal.

On returning to England, he told the club website: “Yeah, it’s a dream come true for sure. I’ve been in the Academy for Arsenal, and it was always a dream to play here. It’s finally happening, so I’m very happy.”

The Netherlands international arrives as a direct replacement for summer signing Jaden Philogene, whose return to Villa was ultimately short-lived after a £20m switch to strugglers Ipswich Town.

However, Villa’s business is far from over, particularly in attack with Turkish outlet Hurriyet claiming that Emery’s side are one of four leading contenders to sign Yilmaz along with Newcastle United, West Ham United and strugglers Everton.

The Magpies are in the market for a forward to provide additional cover for talisman Alexander Isak amid Callum Wilson’s injury concerns and they are believed to be fond of Yilmaz’ ability to play all across the front three following suggestions that Miguel Almiron could depart to former club Atalanta United.

Villa are in a similar position, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran already leading the line, while Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers and Malen all provide competition on the wing.

However, they see the 24-year-old Yilmaz as the type of profile that can bring an extra dimension to their attack with Bailey in particular struggling for form. West Ham are desperate for bodies in attack with the likes of Michail Antoinio, Jarrod Bowen and summer signing Nichlas Fulkrug all sidelined on a long-term basis. The Hammers under new boss Graham Potter played Mohammed Kudus as a makeshift centre forward before calling on Danny Ings as a substitute last time out.

While Everton under new stewardship in David Moyes are desperate to improve on their dismal record of 15 goals in 20 games, which is the second worst in the entire division.

What would Baris Alper Yilmaz offer Aston Villa?

Baris Alper Yilmaz is a 24-year-old Turkish attacker that is currently making waves in the Super Liga with reigning champions Galatasaray.

The Ankara Demirspor academy graduate is primarily viewed as a right-sided or left-sided attacking forward, but has proven at various points this season that he is able to help his team as a central forward, and even on occasion as a full-back. Yilmaz joined Galatasaray in 2021 and has lifted league titles in two of his first three seasons in the Turkish capital.

After an initial bedding in period where he failed to score in 17 league matches, Yilmaz scored 10 goals and registered nine assists in his next two title-winning seasons, but has this year taken his game to completely new heights with a staggering 10 goals in 18 appearances from the wing.

Yilmaz, who has been capped 24-time at international level, was hugely impressive for Turkey during Euro 2024 and played every minute of his side’s five matches as they reached the quarter-final. Though Yilmaz didn’t score or assist at the tournament, he was heavily praised for his constant workrate, incredible speed, technique and ability to drag defenders out of position and create space for his team-mates.

These are qualities that Unai Emery believes could be useful in his team as he aims to get the Villa Park club back into the top four of the Premier League. Hurriyet report Lazio have offered €20m, which has rapidly been rejected by the Istanbul club as they hold out for a minimum of €30m, which equates to just over £25m.