Aston Villa could move for a new striker in the 2023 summer transfer window, with the club needing a forward who matches their ambitions, according to Brimingham Live journalist Ashley Preece.

Steven Gerrard spent more than £60 million on new signings at Villa Park following the end of last season but plans may already be in place for future windows.

How are Villa’s forwards performing?

At present, Gerrard has three options to choose from when it comes to his leading men, with Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings and Cameron Archer in his squad.

But in eight games in all competitions, the trio have mustered just three goals between them, while Archer has only been given 17 minutes of action.

Ings will enter the final 12 months of his contract at Villa Park come the end of the season, leaving Villa potentially considering cashing in on the 30-year-old.

According to Football Insider, Gerrard was also open to selling Watkins before the deadline earlier this month.

The report stated that the pair were not seeing eye-to-eye, with the former Brentford ace starting the season on the bench as the club travelled to Bournemouth.

What has Preece said on Villa’s plans?

Preece believes that the West Midlands outfit could look to the transfer market next summer for a striker capable of pushing them into the top-six battle.

The journalist adds that Archer could do with a spell away on loan once the January window opens next year.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “The striker situation interests me. Danny Ings, he's entering the final year of his contract next season. Cameron Archer, I think he needs a loan in January as well. So I think I think a new number nine could be forthcoming next summer. I think Ollie Watkins has done well but I think they need a 20-goal-a-season man. Any club with hopes of finishing in the top six or seven needs a 20-goal striker.”

Where could Archer go?

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last term on loan with Preston North End where he scored seven goals in 20 appearances.

Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri revealed that Burnley wanted to sign Archer on loan before the end of the summer transfer window but fell short in their pursuit.

But Gerrard insisted that Archer deserved to be among the Villa first team at the beginning of August.

He added that Preston made a ‘real positive’ impact on the forward, however, which may suggest the boss could be open to another loan come the new year.