Published Aug 4, 2026, 7:20 PM GMT+1

Charlie is a football writer and assistant editor on FootballFanCast.com and has worked for the company for a number of years.

He began with Snack Media during his time at UCFB’s Etihad Campus, and after graduating in 2019, has held full-time roles on the Read Network and The Transfer Tavern.

Charlie has covered a variety of sports during his time with the company and has been a correspondent for football clubs both in England and Scotland.

Villa have already enjoyed one of the busiest transfer windows in England, backing Emery by completing a club-record deal for Johan Manzambi, while also strengthening their frontline with the arrival of Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea.

Midfield has also been reinforced through the signing of Joao Gomes, while highly-rated youngster Modou Kéba has added further depth and long-term potential.

Despite those additions, Villa appear to still be keen on recruiting another wide attacker after parting ways with Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen.

The player in question is Marseille’s Igor Paixao, who has already been attracting Premier League through Leeds United. However, it appears as if Villa have asked for their own information over a deal.

Aston Villa make Igor Paixao enquiry

According to L'Equipe, relayed by Yahoo Sports, Villa have made an approach over a move for the Marseille man.

Marseille, should they sell, would want to recoup the €35m (£30m) they spent on the Brazilian, however, the French club don’t appear to be under any immediate pressure to sell with Paixao still having four years left on his contract.

It is easy to understand why Villa, NSWE and Emery appear to be keen on Paixao, though. He enjoyed an impressive first season after moving to France from Feyenoord, adapting to Ligue 1 and becoming one of the club's most influential attacking players.

Across all competitions, he made 42 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists, while also impressing in the Champions League with four goals and one assist in eight matches.

Football scout Jacek Kulig previously described Paixao as "explosive", highlighting the Brazilian's acceleration, dribbling ability and direct style.

Those attributes could make him an ideal fit at Villa Park. Comfortable playing on either wing, Paixao thrives in one-v-one situations and regularly attacks defenders with pace and confidence. He also possesses the work rate Emery demands from his wide players, making him a natural fit for Villa's high-intensity pressing game.

His ability to both score and create goals could also ease some of the attacking burden on striker Ollie Watkins and new additions Garnacho and Mazambi.

Competition from Leeds means Villa may need to move quickly if they want to secure a deal, but after already making an approach, a formal offer could be next step to take for those at Villa Park.