Aston Villa have reportedly reignited their pursuit of Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe after an untimely injury to club captain John McGinn forced Unai Emery to reassess his attacking options before the summer transfer window closes.

The Villa boss is believed to be eager to strengthen his squad ahead of another demanding campaign, and fresh reports suggest the Midlands club have reopened discussions over a player they had previously admired earlier in the transfer window.

Villa’s interest in Rowe had cooled in recent weeks as attention shifted toward other priorities, but the situation has now changed dramatically.

According to reports emerging from Italy, Aston Villa have resumed enquiries for the 23-year-old winger after McGinn’s setback created fresh concern inside the club. The injury has increased the urgency for additional attacking depth, with Emery keen to ensure his squad remains competitive across every competition this season.

While no formal bid has yet been submitted, Villa are once again monitoring the situation closely and assessing whether a move can realistically be completed before the transfer deadline.

The transfer, however, is expected to be far from straightforward.

Bologna remain determined to keep Rowe unless an exceptional offer arrives. The Serie A club have already demonstrated their stance by rejecting a substantial bid from Everton earlier this month, making it clear they value the winger far higher than previous offers.

Reports from Italy indicate Bologna’s valuation sits closer to €45 million, meaning Aston Villa would likely need to make a significant financial commitment if they decide to advance beyond preliminary discussions.

Despite Bologna’s firm position, there are indications that Rowe’s representatives are exploring potential opportunities elsewhere this summer.

That development could provide Aston Villa with encouragement, although negotiations are still believed to be in the early stages and no agreement has been reached.

For Emery, Rowe represents a player capable of adding a different dimension to Villa’s attack.

The England-born winger is comfortable operating on either flank and possesses the pace, direct running and creativity needed to stretch opposition defences. His versatility would allow Villa to rotate their attacking options more effectively while providing additional competition across several positions.

At just 23 years old, Rowe also fits the club’s long-term recruitment strategy.

Having already gained valuable experience in both English football and Serie A, he offers a blend of youth, technical quality and top-level experience that makes him an attractive target for clubs looking to build for both the present and future.

Villa’s renewed interest also comes during a period of transition in the attacking department.

The departure of Morgan Rogers earlier this summer left a significant gap in Emery’s squad, removing one of the team’s most influential creative players. While several members of the current squad are expected to shoulder greater responsibility, the club continue searching for another dynamic attacker capable of making an immediate impact.

Jonathan Rowe appears to fit that profile perfectly.

His ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, drive into dangerous areas and contribute goals and assists has made him one of the most highly regarded young wide players currently playing in Italy.

Those qualities explain why multiple clubs have monitored his situation throughout the transfer window.

For Aston Villa, the coming days could prove decisive.

The club must now decide whether their renewed interest is strong enough to justify meeting Bologna’s substantial valuation or whether they will instead pursue alternative targets.

With the transfer window entering its crucial final weeks, Villa’s recruitment team faces an important decision as they attempt to provide Emery with the squad depth required for another challenging campaign.

Although negotiations have yet to move beyond initial enquiries, one thing is becoming increasingly clear.

Jonathan Rowe has firmly returned to Aston Villa’s transfer shortlist, and McGinn’s injury may ultimately prove to be the catalyst that revives one of the club’s most intriguing pursuits of the summer.

Whether Villa are prepared to make the financial commitment necessary to secure the winger’s signature remains the biggest question, but this is undoubtedly a transfer story that could gather serious momentum before the window slams shut.