Aston Villa are challenging Tottenham for the signature of Manchester City’s £59 million forward Omar Marmoush, though City remain hesitant to sell to a Premier League rival mid-season.
Aston Villa have reportedly launched a move to sign Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as the January transfer window intensifies.
The 26-year-old Egypt international, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million a year ago, has struggled for consistent game time under Pep Guardiola.
Despite scoring nine goals in 40 appearances, he has managed only two Premier League starts this season, prompting Villa to view him as a key target to bolster their frontline.
The pursuit faces significant hurdles, as Tottenham Hotspur have also made “enquiries” regarding the versatile attacker.
However, Manchester City are currently resistant to a mid-season sale. Transfer insider Dean Jones noted that City’s reluctance is heightened because Villa are viewed as a direct competitive threat this season.
Jones stated: “I cannot imagine they would have too much appetite to let him join Villa, who are an even bigger threat to them this season.”
While City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to resist a departure to maintain squad rotation depth, the potential arrival of Antoine Semenyo at the Etihad could change the landscape.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has encouraged Marmoush to remain in England to continue his development, asserting that “Marmoush would be an asset for any team in the Premier League.”
For now, the forward remains focused on the African Cup of Nations while his club future is debated.