Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad yesterday was just the icing on the cake in what’s been a truly phenomenal campaign for the club.

Unai Emery has masterminded the Villans to a place in the Premier League’s top four, whilst also ending a 30-year trophy drought after claiming Europa League glory in Istanbul.

Champions League football is once again on the horizon for the supporters, with some of Europe’s elite once again facing the prospect of a daunting evening at Villa Park.

Such an achievement will hand a generation of supporters added memories to last a lifetime - whilst featuring against sides that seemed unthinkable a couple of years ago.

To help Emery in his quest for added success in the West Midlands, the hierarchy have already lined up a plethora of top talent to help bolster the senior ranks this summer.

Aston Villa could have £35m bid accepted for attacking sensation

Despite the window not opening until the start of June, Aston Villa have already been touted with a whole host of talents who could improve Emery’s side.

Roma star Matias Soule has previously been mentioned as one potential target, with the player himself keen on a move to the Premier League during the off-season.

The Argentine could be available for around the £35m mark, with the deal for Donyell Malen going in the other direction, potentially making negotiations somewhat easier.

He’s not the only player to appear on their radar in recent days, with Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe another option seriously being considered by the hierarchy.

According to TuttoBolognaWeb via Sport Witness, the Villans are now racing to sign the Englishman, who’s featured 28 times in Serie A throughout this season.

The report states Emery’s side are battling Galatasaray for the 23-year-old’s signature this window, with Chelsea also lurking ahead of a potential transfer.

A fee in the region of €40m (£35m) would be required to prise him away from the Italian outfit, but it’s unclear how much the Villans are willing to pay when the window opens.

Why Rowe would be perfect for Watkins at Aston Villa

In the recent success at Villa Park under Emery’s guidance, centre forward Ollie Watkins has played an influential role at key moments in various competitions.

The England international came under fire for his struggles within the final third earlier this season - but it’s safe to say he’s answered his critics in emphatic fashion.

The 30-year-old has now scored 21 times across all competitions this season, including four doubles in his last 12 appearances - with his latest coming on Sunday.

Watkins scored twice in Sunday’s victory against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, subsequently securing Emery’s men a place in the division‘s top four.

He’s undoubtedly one of the club’s best ever talismen, with the numbers he’s produced this campaign nothing short of mind-boggling and way beyond what fans expected earlier this term.

He could reach the next level at Villa Park next season, with any deal for Rowe undoubtedly providing the centre-forward with added opportunities in front of goal.

His stats from the current campaign in Italy highlight the quality he possesses within the final third of the pitch - many of which have aided his teammates in Bologna.

Rowe, who’s been dubbed “scintillating” by Carlton Palmer, has completed 2.7 successful dribbles per 90 this season - a tally higher than 95% of players in Italy’s top flight.

Such a figure demonstrates his ability to get past the opposition with ease, subsequently adding the end product to his mazy runs - as seen by his tally of 1.4 chances created per 90.

0.3 of his chances per 90 have been defined as big chances, which could see him provide endless opportunities for Watkins upon any move to Villa Park.

Rowe’s 23% cross completion rate and 82% pass success rate further highlight his quality in possession - something which will be music to his compatriot’s ears.

£35m would be yet another expensive signing for Villa this summer, but it’s clear Emery’s side would be getting a phenomenal player and for a super price.

His talent in attacking areas is there for all to see at present, whilst having bags of time to improve further, given his tender age of just 23 years and one month.

Any partnership between Watkins and Rowe would be superb for Emery’s men and one that could easily allow the club to reach the next level in the years ahead.