Aston Villa Weigh Kevin Viveros Move as Striker Plans Continue to Evolve

Aston Villa’s work in the market may not be finished, despite already reshaping their forward line this summer. After the departure of Ollie Watkins and the arrival of Nicolas Jackson, there is still active interest in Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros, with fresh contact now understood to have been made over a possible deal.

According to RTI Esporte, Villa have revisited a long-standing admiration for the Colombian and are exploring the conditions of any transfer. The report indicates Villa are considering a proposal worth around €20 million, which is approximately £17.4 million, for the 26-year-old.

Kevin Viveros profile fits Aston Villa thinking

There is logic to Aston Villa keeping their options open in the striker market. Unai Emery already has Jackson through the door, a player he knows well, while Tammy Abraham offers a more physical profile and Brian Madjo is emerging as a younger option with growing trust around him. Even so, Kevin Viveros appears to remain firmly on the club’s radar.

His numbers this season help explain why. Across 27 league appearances, Viveros has scored 19 goals and supplied three assists. He is averaging 2.9 shots per game, produces 0.7 key passes and posts a pass completion rate of 74.8 per cent. Those figures point to a forward who can finish, stay involved and provide a direct threat.

The current discussions are said to be focused on understanding the structure of any deal rather than an agreement being imminent. Athletico Paranaense, however, are believed to value the striker significantly higher, with expectations set closer to €30 million, around £26 million. That gap matters, particularly when the player is under contract until 2028 and early conversations over a renewed deal have also taken place.

January transfer window could be decisive

Timing may prove important in this Aston Villa transfer story. With the Brazilian season finished, January could present the cleanest opportunity for Villa to act if they decide Kevin Viveros is the right addition. Much may depend on how Emery assesses his current attacking depth over the coming months.

Madjo’s development is a significant part of that equation. If the young forward continues to impress, Villa may decide another senior striker is unnecessary in mid-season. If not, the club could revisit the market with greater intent. Any move for a fourth striker would also raise obvious questions over squad balance and potential loan plans for younger players.

Villa face valuation challenge over Colombian striker

Viveros has also earned praise for his growth and character. Athletico Paranaense boss Odair Hellmann said in March, “He’s a beast, a monster. He’s evolved a lot technically, he has room to evolve even more, and he’s very humble. He’s introverted, but he’s very humble. For a guy who has already achieved what he has in Brazilian football and for Athletico, he has a lot of humility.

“He’s annoying, but he’s humble and hardworking.

“That’s why he’s achieved what he has.scored 20 goals and assisted four so far this season, which started early in the year, and he recently won his Colombia senior debut.”

For now, Aston Villa’s interest is real, the need remains under assessment, and Kevin Viveros is a name worth watching as the January transfer window moves closer.

Our View

From an Aston Villa perspective, this feels like a smart situation to monitor rather than one to force. Kevin Viveros has the sort of output that naturally catches attention, and at 26 he appears to be entering the strongest years of his career. If Emery and the recruitment team believe his profile translates to the Premier League, then it makes sense to keep the conversation alive.

There is also something reassuring about Villa planning beyond the obvious. Jackson has arrived, Abraham gives another option and Madjo is pushing, yet top clubs are always thinking ahead. Injuries, form swings and fixture load can quickly change the picture. Having another striker lined up would show ambition and foresight.

That said, the valuation has to be right. Paying around £17.4 million feels like a measured gamble for a player with strong numbers and upward momentum. Going much higher starts to shift the risk, especially for someone still untested in English football. Villa supporters will likely trust Emery’s judgement here, particularly given how targeted recruitment has become in recent seasons.

The other key point is Madjo. If he is genuinely ready to contribute, many fans will want that pathway protected. A January move for Viveros only makes full sense if Villa are convinced he raises the level immediately, not simply adds another body. Still, among emerging striker links, this one has enough substance to stay intriguing.