Aston Villa monitored the Colombian forward during the summer transfer window, when Sunderland were also reported to have made enquiries. Fresh contact has now been made as Villa assess whether a deal could be possible.
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, Villa are considering an offer worth more than €20 million (£17.4m) for the 26-year-old. Athletico, however, are understood to want a fee exceeding €30m (£26m), leaving the clubs potentially around €10m apart.
Viveros has strengthened his case for a move with his performances in Brazil. He has become one of the Brasileirão’s leading scorers, while his form has also earned him his first senior call-up for Colombia.
That international recognition could improve his prospects of securing a move to England, where players must meet the relevant work permit requirements. Villa’s renewed enquiries suggest the striker remains on their radar despite their summer transfer activity.
There is no indication that a formal bid has been submitted, and the discussions remain at an exploratory stage. Villa are understood to be seeking clarity on Viveros’s situation and the financial conditions required to complete a transfer.
Athletico have reasons to resist a lower offer. The striker is under contract until 2028, with an automatic extension mechanism included in his agreement, giving the Brazilian club some leverage in any negotiations.
There have also been discussions about improving Viveros’s contract to reflect his performances, although those talks have stalled. Club president Mario Celso Petraglia reportedly intervened after negotiations had moved towards an agreement, unconvinced that Athletico needed to meet the proposed terms at this stage.
The club’s position means Villa may need to increase their valuation if they want to turn their interest into a concrete move. A fee above €20m would already represent a substantial investment, but Athletico’s reported demands are considerably higher.
Viveros’s continued scoring and emergence at international level could strengthen the selling club’s hand further as January approaches.
For now, Villa appear to be gathering information rather than closing in on a transfer. Whether the Premier League side is willing to meet Athletico’s valuation remains the key question, with a sizeable difference still to bridge before negotiations can advance.