Aston Villa have been linked with an interest in RC Strasbourg centre-forward Joaquin Panichelli, according to a new report.

CaughtOffside reports that the Argentine striker has “caught the eye” of several major European clubs, with Villa named among those monitoring his progress.

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are also mentioned, although Chelsea are said to be leading the race due to their ownership connections with RC Strasbourg. The Blues are believed to be well placed for a player who has impressed since arriving in Ligue 1 from Alavés during the summer.

Panichelli, 23, began his career at Racing de Córdoba before earning a move to River Plate. After spending three years there, he joined Spanish side Alavés in 2023, prior to his switch to France.

He has enjoyed an excellent start to the current campaign, scoring nine goals in 15 league appearances as Strasbourg sit eighth in Ligue 1, which has fuelled speculation of a possible move in the January window.

The forward also earned his Argentina debut last month, featuring against Angola.

The report adds that Chelsea scouts have watched Panichelli on multiple occasions this season, with head coach Enzo Maresca understood to be an admirer, while Barcelona are described as being “particularly interested”.

At Villa Park, Unai Emery continues to lean heavily on Ollie Watkins as his main striker, with Donyell Malen acting as his primary alternative.

Elsewhere, Villa are also said to be closing in on a £10m deal for Grêmio winger Alysson.