Aston Villa may not win a trophy this season, but the club remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot next term.
Unai Emery is looking ahead to the summer transfer window, however, as he aims to bolster his squad.
Sverre Nypan has been earmarked as a long-term target for the Midlands side, and it looks as though they have won the race for his signature.
The wonderkid could become the next best thing and Villa have acted swiftly. Might they be moving ahead to sign another talented teenager?
Aston Villa pressing ahead to sign French sensation
Reports in France claim that Villa are closing in on a deal to sign 18-year-old Kenny Quetant this summer, with Foot Mercato outlining that talks have been held regarding a deal for the teenager.
The youngster has yet to make a senior appearance for Le Havre, but there is no doubting how high his ceiling is.
Wrapping up a move early for Quetant could allow Emery to perhaps focus on other targets during the first few weeks of the transfer window.
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If a move does go through in the coming days, Emery might just have his next Jhon Duran.
Kenny Quetant can be Villa’s next Duran
Duran did have some experience at senior level before moving to Villa, playing 72 matches in spells with Chicago Fire and Envigado, although like Quetant, he was something of an unknown quantity upon his arrival for Villa Park.
17 goals and seven assists were deemed solid, if unspectacular, but there was something about the young Colombian. He had a spark. That was enough for Emery and co to fork out £18m for the then-19-year-old in January 2023.
Goals
7
3
Assists
0
0
Goal conversion percentage
23%
21%
Goal frequency (minutes)
89
79
Shots per game
1.6
2
Mainly used as an impact player at Villa, Duran’s eye for goal gave Emery a unique weapon from the bench and this is something Quetant could offer, especially during his first season at the club.
Last term, the teenager scored 11 goals for Le Harve’s U19 side, showing plenty of promise. It is a matter of when and not if he makes his senior club debut. The future of the club in attack looks promising, especially considering Emery is in talks with both Nypan and Quetant.
The Norwegian talent was superb for Rosenborg in the top flight last season. Eight goals and seven assists were recorded, while the 18-year-old also created seven big chances and averaged 1.4 key passes per game for his club.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Nypan ranks in the top 6% for touches in the opposition box, along with ranking in the top 6% for total shots in the Norwegian top flight.
These forward-thinking abilities could make him an excellent player for Villa and one who would shine while operating just behind Quetant. Of course, the club won’t see the best of both players until they become fully integrated into the team.
Once they do begin to play on a regular basis, Villa could have two starlets who are ready to take the Premier League by storm one day, just like Duran did ever so briefly.
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