Aston Villa: Jonathan Rowe’s Bologna exploits vs Napoli show why he’s a nailed-on target for Unai Emery

Aston Villa have been shown exactly why they must prioritise a move for Jonathan Rowe this summer after his outstanding goal for Bologna against Napoli on Monday night.

Villa have been mooted to move for Rowe this summer in the midst of his impressive debut campaign at Bologna.

The 23-year-old was a standout for the Serie A side when they faced each other in the Europa League earlier this season, with recent reports stating that Chelsea are also keeping tabs on his progress.

Rowe’s latest exploits for Bologna should show the Villans exactly why he would be a top signing ahead of their likely return to the Champions League next term.

Aston Villa’s transfer plans look set to revolve around shaping a new attacking force, with several outgoings expected and more depth needed in the coming months.

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Rowe has found his feet at Bologna since the turn of the year, with seven goals and three assists in all competitions and some star turns in the Europa League.

His last strike before Monday came in that competition against the Villans, where he was also named man of the match by UEFA as he fully emerged onto Unai Emery’s radar.

If Villa were interested in the England youth international before his exploits against Napoli, then they should now be putting plans in motion to sign him this summer.

Rowe started on the bench against the Serie A champions, but made a real impact after his introduction in the second half.

He proved his star power by expertly converting an overhead kick in the 91st minute of the game to fire Bologna to a 3-2 win against the second-placed side.

The strike was nothing short of extraordinary, particularly in such a crucial moment of the match against one of the best teams in Europe, and should definitely show Villa that he has the talent and mental fortitude to be a Premier League player in the years to come.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Villa are concerned about signing Harry Wilson after his poor recent performances, so Rowe should now be near the top of their winger shortlist ahead of the summer.

Rowe has previous experience of Premier League football, with 13 appearances made in the competition for his boyhood club, Norwich City, in the 2021-22 campaign.

😱😱 GOOOLLLLLAAAAAAZZZZOOOOO! Jonathan Rowe airson Bologna!

😱😱 GOOOLLLLLAAAAAAZZZZOOOOO! Jonathan Rowe with a bicycle-kick in injury time to win it for Bologna! ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/apDOKUOlzo

He admitted last month that he is eyeing a move back to the English top flight soon, in a boost to Villa’s chances of landing his signature.

Speaking to Corriere di Bologna, he said: “It (The Premier League) is the best league in the world.

“Debuting in 2021 was an honour, and it made me want to play many games there. One always aspires to the highest level. I don’t know when, but one day I want to go back to play there.”

The 23-year-old will clearly be open to joining Villa this summer, and his latest exploits highlight how he would be a shrewd signing given their planned attacking overhaul.

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