Aston Villa are reportedly plotting a bid for French striker Marcus Thuram, in a deal that could prove to be an absolute bargain for Unai Emery.

What's the word?

According to French journalist Ignazio Genuardi (via Sport Witness), Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Villa are all considering a move for the in-form Borussia Monchengladbach man in the January transfer window.

Despite some sensational form this season, which has returned 13 goals and three assists in all competitions, the report claims that the Bundesliga side could be willing to sell Thuram for as little as €10m (£8.7m), as his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

An absolute steal?

While foreign clubs will be free to approach the 25-year-old forward on a pre-contract deal in January, paying Monchengladbach's asking price would give Villa the best possible chance of signing Thuram, while he could also play a big part for them in the second half of the season.

After missing much of the 2021/22 campaign through injury, the France international has returned to devastating effect, hitting ten goals in just 15 German top-flight appearances, which has helped him to average a superb 7.45 rating from WhoScored.

For context, the highest-rated player in Villa's squad this season has been Emiliano Martinez with a 6.88 average rating, which emphasises just how impressive Thuram has been, and how much quality he could add to Emery's side.

Wolfsburg's sporting director Marcel Schafer certainly seems to rate the striker highly, as he sang his praises back in October, dubbing him "world-class."

Danny Ings currently leads the way for goals at Villa Park with just five to his name in the Premier League, so adding a goalscorer such as Thuram in January could prove crucial in continuing Emery's strong start to life in the Midlands.

Signing a 25-year-old France international who has started the season so strongly, for just £8.7m, certainly would represent a bargain for Emery, so the Spanish manager should do all he can to bring the Monchengladbach forward to Villa Park after the World Cup.