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If Aston Villa are unable to bring Tammy Abraham back after his loan spell with the club came to an end it may represent a significant blow.

The forward was exceptional last season, scoring 26 goals in the Championship to lead his side into the play-offs.

But what if they were able to sign a mega-money replacement?

In Maxi Gomez they have a transfer target who could be capable of being exactly that.

With a release clause of £43.5m, the 12-cap Uruguay international has been attracting their attention per the radio show Tiempo de Futbol on Sport 890, broadcast 6 June.

Villa scout Juanfran has also shown admiration for the striker whilst journalist Alan Nixon confirmed their interest this week.

But how could he benefit Villa if he joined?

On the chalkboard

We've already focused on Gomez's superb aerial presence, but he offers another threat that could prepare the Villans for life in the Premier League.

In La Liga last season the 22-year-old was excellent in his hold up play, bringing others into the picture on the turn and starting attacks from deep.

As well as being clinical inside the area, his work from outside of it was also impressive.

Bearing that in mind, he could allow Villa to play on the counter attack more often next season.

Although not boasting the best passing stats, completing 73.1%, he's productive when it comes to working the ball onto his teammates under pressure in tight spaces.

For Celta Vigo he showed that on a regular basis, linking up with the wide players and setting them free into the channels.

Considering Villa aren't likely to have much of the ball when they step up a division, having someone they can play off and then wait for teammates to arrive in the final third could be game changing.

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Had Abraham stayed at the club, the chances of bringing in this style of play would have been reduced significantly.

In the Championship he averaged 2.7 unsuccessful touches of the ball per game, highlighting his inability to hold things up.

Gomez, on the other hand, averaged 2.1. Abraham's passing was also worse with a success rate of just 69.3%.

With his back to goal, he can be a huge threat and if Aston Villa do pull off a massive coup and sign Gomez, they'd have a striker perfect for helping them adapt to the top-flight.