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Aston Villa join Brighton and Bournemouth in race for Millwall's Azeez

ยทBy Paul Vegas
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Aston Villa join Brighton and Bournemouth in race for Millwall's Azeez

Aston Villa/X.com

Aston Villa have entered the race for Millwall winger Femi Azeez, according to Footmercato, adding to existing interest from Brighton and Bournemouth as the Championship's standout forward attracts attention from clubs preparing for European competition.

Azeez, 25, scored 11 goals and contributed eight assists in 34 Championship appearances last season, earning a place in the division's team of the year. He also made his Nigeria senior debut during the period. Millwall value the winger at โ‚ฌ20m.

Aston Villa are targeting a wide forward to strengthen their Champions League squad ahead of next season, and Azeez's pace and direct style fits the profile Unai Emery is looking for. Brighton and Bournemouth had already been tracking the player before Villa's interest emerged.

Millwall finished outside the automatic promotion places and lost at the playoff semi-final stage, leaving the club vulnerable to losing their key players. The Lions hold Azeez until June 2028 and are under no obligation to sell, but the combination of Premier League interest from multiple clubs and the player's own ambitions could force the issue.

No bid has been submitted by Villa, but their addition to the list of suitors increases the competition for a player who has established himself as one of the Championship's most dangerous attackers.

Villa are expected to be active in the wide forward market this summer regardless of whether the Azeez deal progresses. The club's Champions League commitments demand squad depth and quality in wide areas, and the Millwall winger's proven ability to contribute at a high level in English football makes him a lower-risk option than an unproven signing from abroad.

For Azeez, who has publicly stated his desire to play in the Premier League, the interest from a club of Villa's stature represents exactly the kind of opportunity he has been building toward. Millwall's valuation of โ‚ฌ20m could prove a relatively modest barrier if two or more top-flight clubs enter a bidding contest for his signature.