{
  "id": 3209555,
  "title": "Aston Villa plotting move for Ligue 1 ace Esteban Lepaul",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/aston-villa-plotting-move-for-ligue-1-ace-esteban-lepaul",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T06:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/aston-villa-plotting-move-ligue-064000404.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aston Villa is reportedly eyeing Ligue 1 star Esteban Lepaul, according to L'Equipe. The Villains may look to bolster their attacking options after Ollie Watkins expressed a desire to join Saudi Arabian club and Tammy Abraham's uncertain future at the club. Lepaul, who topped Ligue 1 with 21 goals and five assists last season, has already impressed Villa with his goal against Paris Saint-Germain in their opening league match. However, the French forward's current club is not interested in selling. Despite this, Aston Villa could still attempt to secure his signature if the right offer comes along. Villa's need for reinforcements following their poor start to the Premier League season makes Lepaul an intriguing prospect. His technical ability, defensive prowess and goal-scoring instincts make him a valuable addition. If Villa can also sign Nicolas Jackson, a pacey striker with movement and defensive ability, they could become a formidable attacking force. With Watkins uncertain of his future and Abraham potentially leaving, Unai Emery may have no choice but to sign Lepaul to add firepower to his attack.",
  "summary": "Aston Villa are one of the clubs tracking Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, according to L’Equipe.The Villains could use another centre-forward with Ollie Watkins angling to leave the Birmingham-based ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Manchester City and Aston Villa monitoring Rennes striker Estéban Lepaul",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/manchester-city-and-aston-villa-monitoring-rennes-striker-esteban",
        "published": "2026-08-24T20:50:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}