Aston Villa are interested in signing Hannover 96 striker Nicolo Tresoldi as Unai Emery looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Villans secured a consecutive top-four finish in the Premier League to ensure Champions League football will return to Villa Park next season, and the Spanish tactician is already putting plans in place to upgrade his squad.
While Ollie Watkins remains the undisputed first-choice marksman, scoring 23 goals in all competitions this term, Villa are on the lookout for a dynamic backup who can develop under Emery’s tutelage.
Aston Villa monitoring Tresoldi
According to sources close to GiveMeSport, Aston Villa scouts have delivered glowing reports on Hannover’s Tresoldi, who has caught the eye in the 2. Bundesliga.
The 21-year-old forward enjoyed a breakout campaign in Germany, netting 14 goals and providing five assists in 31 appearances. His clinical edge and work-rate have led recruitment staff to describe him as a “really efficient” modern striker who would suit Emery’s high-pressing system.
Tresoldi, a Germany Under-21 international who also holds Italian citizenship, is under contract with Hannover until June 2028. However, it is understood that the German club would find it difficult to turn down an offer in the region of £15 million to £18 million.
Emery targeting youthful depth
Villa’s interest in Tresoldi aligns perfectly with Monchi’s strategy of targeting high-potential youngsters whose values could skyrocket in the West Midlands. The Spanish sporting director has already transformed the club’s recruitment approach, focusing on smart investments that deliver both immediate impact and long-term profit.
Jhon Duran’s future at the club remains uncertain, with several European sides monitoring the Colombian forward. This situation has expedited Villa’s search for a new frontman who can provide genuine competition and depth.
Sources indicate that while Villa have also looked at more experienced options, Tresoldi’s physical profile — standing at 6ft 0in with excellent aerial ability — makes him an incredibly attractive option for the physical demands of the Premier League.
The striker’s ability to hold up the ball, link play, and press aggressively is viewed as an ideal tactical fit for when Watkins needs a rest during a grueling campaign that will once again feature elite European football.
German talent on the rise
Tresoldi moved to Germany in 2017 and progressed through Hannover’s youth academy before making his senior debut in 2022. What started as a quiet development phase has now exploded into one of the most exciting young striker stories in European football.
His performances over the last 12 months have seen him heavily linked with a move to the Bundesliga, with Borussia Monchengladbach and Stuttgart both credited with serious interest. Scouts across Europe have been impressed by his rapid improvement in hold-up play, movement inside the box, and willingness to work hard off the ball.
However, the allure of the Premier League and the opportunity to work under one of Europe’s most respected coaches in Unai Emery could give Aston Villa a major advantage if they decide to turn their concrete scouting interest into a formal bid in the opening weeks of the summer transfer window.
Why Tresoldi fits Emery’s system
Unai Emery has built his reputation on tactical discipline and player development. At Aston Villa, he has already elevated several young talents, and Tresoldi appears to be the perfect next project.
The Italian-German forward possesses the traits Emery values most: intelligence in the press, technical quality under pressure, and the physicality to compete in England. His 14 goals in the 2. Bundesliga came from a variety of situations — poaching inside the six-yard box, powerful runs from deep, and clinical finishes with both feet.
Analysts have noted his similarity to a young Timo Werner in terms of movement, but with better aerial presence and a more composed finishing style. At just 21 years old, he still has significant room to grow, making him a low-risk, high-reward signing for a club with Champions League ambitions.
With Champions League football comes a packed fixture list. Rotating attackers will be essential, and having a reliable deputy who can step in without a noticeable drop in quality is something Emery has demanded from the board this summer.
Financial and contractual situation
Hannover 96 are under no immediate pressure to sell, but the club’s financial reality means a substantial offer would be hard to ignore. A fee between £15m and £18m would represent excellent business for a player who cost them nothing as a youth prospect.
Aston Villa’s negotiating position is strong. With healthy Premier League revenues and Champions League income incoming, they can comfortably meet Hannover’s valuation while still offering Tresoldi a significant step up in wages and exposure.
Personal terms are expected to be straightforward, as the player is understood to be excited by the prospect of moving to England and testing himself at the highest level.
Competition for his signature
Despite Villa’s interest, they are not alone. Several clubs have been tracking Tresoldi’s progress, including mid-table Bundesliga sides looking for a young focal point and even a couple of surprise Premier League suitors.
However, Villa’s project under Emery — combining European football, ambitious ownership, and a clear pathway for young players — makes them an appealing destination. Monchi’s track record of developing talents like this at previous clubs adds further credibility to their interest.
Should the deal materialise, it would signal Villa’s intent to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season. Emery has repeatedly spoken about the need for depth, and signing a player of Tresoldi’s profile would be a statement of ambition.
What fans can expect
If Nicolo Tresoldi arrives at Villa Park, supporters can look forward to a hungry, energetic forward who isn’t afraid to put in a shift. His work-rate off the ball will endear him to the faithful, while his goal-scoring instincts could see him become a fan favourite quickly.
Early development under Emery could see his value double within two seasons, following the path of several other smart Villa signings in recent years. For now, though, the focus remains on securing the deal and integrating him into a squad preparing for European nights once again.
The summer transfer window is only just beginning to heat up, but Aston Villa’s interest in Tresoldi shows they mean business. With Champions League football on the horizon, the club is determined to strengthen intelligently and sustainably.
Whether this interest turns into a concrete bid remains to be seen, but all indications suggest that Nicolo Tresoldi is very much on Unai Emery’s radar as he plans for another exciting campaign at Villa Park.
