Aston Villa is now leading the race to sign a “smart” new player.

Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa are swiftly becoming one of the most attractive sides to watch in the Premier League, with the Villans building on their strong start to move one point clear of the Champions League places. And, while it is still early in the season, Villa have demonstrated that, on their day, they can cause plenty of surprises this season, both in the Europa League and in England’s top flight.

Things could improve much further in the January transfer window. Never before has a transfer to Villa Park appeared as appealing as it does now, with one exciting target set to join the Midlands club.

Aston Villa transfer updates
Aston Villa demonstrated how much they’ve improved off the field during the summer transfer window, bringing in players like Moussa Diaby and Nicolo Zaniolo, who have both had excellent debuts in English football. If Villa can maintain their existing roster together, they might achieve new heights in the Premier League, especially if they welcome extra talents on top of that.

According to the most recent Nahuel Molina transfer rumors, he might be one of the names arriving at Villa Park as well. According to reports in Spain, the Midlands club is ahead of Manchester United in the race to recruit the Atletico Madrid full-back in January, whose current release clause is under €30 million (£26 million).

If Villa make a move, they’ll need to act quickly if they want to match that reduced release clause, with sources claiming that Atletico Madrid want to prolong Molina’s deal, raising his leave clause to €90 million (£78 million).

Full-back Nahuel Molina is a “sublime” player.

Molina has started five of Atletico Madrid’s nine La Liga games this season, after missing the first two due to injury. Molina plays a vital position under Diego Simeone, primarily as a right-back or right wing-back.

Molina’s statistics indicate that he might be an excellent backup option or possibly competition for Matty Cash. According to FBref, here’s how he compares to Cash and Lucas Digne so far this season.

Molina has received a lot of appreciation throughout his time in Spain, including from Marca’s Pascal Ruiz Arnal, who commented on X: “From Atlético to Celta 0-3, it was a fantastic play,” says Nahuel Molina. Instead of hitting it within the six-yard box, he returns it to the perfect location. These characteristics demonstrate a player’s intelligence. Morata’s specialty, exquisite.”

That being said, when the January transfer market opens, Villa will be one to watch in the Premier League as they determine whether or not to pursue another World Cup champion in Molina.