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Tag: Aston Villa

  • “Nowhere near the required level” – Jack Grealish told amid alleged talks of possible return to Aston Villa

    “Nowhere near the required level” – Jack Grealish told amid alleged talks of possible return to Aston Villa

    Jack Grealish has faced harsh criticism, with his boyhood club Aston Villa reportedly unwilling to consider re-signing him amid his ongoing struggles at Manchester City.

    The England international midfielder, who became the most expensive player in British football history with his £100 million ($124 million) transfer to the Etihad Stadium in 2021, has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup titles with City.

    Despite these achievements, Grealish’s performance has been questioned, with only two goals recorded this season.

    Critics have noted that he no longer seems to glide past defenders as he once did, and securing a starting position under Pep Guardiola has proven challenging.


    Grealish is now 29 years of age and has seen a move elsewhere speculated on. Quizzed by GOAL on whether he could return to his roots in the West Midlands, ex-Villa striker Stan Collymore – speaking in association with William Hill Vegas – said: “No. I sincerely hope not. I think Jack’s output is nowhere near the required level.

    “If you look at the two players that have been brought in, [Marco] Asensio and [Marcus] Rashford, they can play either side of Ollie Watkins. There is a question mark over both – can they do it, will they do it? They have got pedigree.

    “Jack, really, going to Manchester City and being a part of the treble-winning team – even then he wasn’t the main man, that was Kevin De Bruyne. He was good but not great. Last season, a stat of scoring one goal in just over a year… I don’t think he goes past people any more. [Jeremy] Doku when he first came into the team did that, [Omar] Marmoush you imagine will do that.”

  • Aston Villa’s coah praises Marcus Rashford training habits,says he has great potential

    Aston Villa’s coah praises Marcus Rashford training habits,says he has great potential

    Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has insisted that new loan signing Marcus Rashford has trained “fantastically” and has “big potential” despite Manchester United’s willingness to part ways with the forward.

    Following weeks of speculation after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, Rashford joined Villa on loan at the end of January, signing with the Midlands club until the end of the season.

    Amorim had exiled Rashford from his squad and said on Thursday that he didn’t “play football and train the way I see it” — the latest in a long line of hints that the United manager didn’t appreciate the England international’s aptitude.

    But Emery said on Friday that Rashford has trained well at Villa and that he is excited to watch the 27-year-old in action, which could happen as early as Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Tottenham.


    “I’m very happy with him, he has trained fantastically today [Friday],” the Spanish coach said. “The conversation we had was very normal, speaking about football and what I want of him.

    “I think his potential is still big. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving Manchester United.

    “But I am very happy to have him here, to try to help him to recover his performances.
    “My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge as well with us is a very exciting challenge. I am very happy.”

    Sources told ESPN the deal to sign Rashford includes an option to make the transfer permanent.
    Villa have agreed to cover a substantial part of Rashford’s wage, and other performance-related bonuses have also been built into the deal.

  • Aston Villa rejects Arsenal’s approach for Ollie Watkins

    Aston Villa rejects Arsenal’s approach for Ollie Watkins

    Aston Villa has turned down an offer from Arsenal for England striker Ollie Watkins.

    According to sources who spoke to BBC Sport, Arsenal inquired about the 29-year-old on Monday. Reports of a £60 million bid from the Gunners surfaced just hours before Aston Villa’s Champions League match against Celtic at Villa Park on Wednesday night.

    Watkins played in the game, scored a goal, but also missed a strange penalty after slipping in the second half.

    Villa has made it clear they have no plans to sell Watkins, especially amid ongoing speculation that fellow striker Jhon Duran could move to Saudi Arabia.

    Sources also revealed that Villa is unhappy with the timing of Arsenal’s approach, as it came just before an important Champions League match and only a week before the January transfer deadline.

    It remains uncertain whether Arsenal will make another bid before the transfer window closes on Monday at 11:00 PM GMT.

    So far this season, Watkins has scored 11 goals in 32 games and recently netted the equalizer in Villa’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

    Since joining Villa from Brentford for £28 million in 2020, he has scored 80 goals in 200 appearances.

    Arsenal is in search of a new striker before the transfer window closes, as Gabriel Jesus is sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained during their FA Cup loss to Manchester United.

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that the Gunners “need some help” in attack this season.

    He said the club were “actively looking” to sign a striker who was able to “make an impact” after losing both Bukayo Saka and Jesus to long-term injuries.

    “So we lack goals, we lack people, we lack options in the frontline, it’s clear,” Arteta said.

    Arsenal is competing for the Premier League title for the third straight season but currently trails Liverpool by six points. Liverpool also has one game in hand.

    Meanwhile, the Gunners have been linked with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha as they continue their search for a new attacker.

  • Unforgivable! – Gary Neville slams Partey over costly error in Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa

    Unforgivable! – Gary Neville slams Partey over costly error in Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa

    Former Manchester United player and football analyst, Gary Neville, has criticized Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey for his performance in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League on January 18, 2024.

    Neville questioned why Partey failed to mark Ollie Watkins properly, which led to Watkins scoring a crucial goal.

    Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville described Partey’s mistake as “unforgivable” and said it cost Arsenal the chance to stay ahead in the match.

    However, he praised Watkins for capitalizing on the defensive error to secure a point for Aston Villa.

    “You can see Partey marking Watkins, and then it’s unforgivable, really, that he just steps back out and doesn’t go with him. He deserved his goal,” Neville said while speaking on Sky Sports.

    Despite Arsenal’s dominance in the game, they failed to retain their 2-0 lead after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them ahead.

    Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins scored two goals, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

    Arsenal’s title hope now hang in the balance as they trail league leaders Liverpool by six points.

  • Aston Villa’s Martinez banned for ‘offensive behaviour’

    Aston Villa’s Martinez banned for ‘offensive behaviour’

    Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been banned by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” and will miss Argentina’s next two World Cup qualifying games.

    The suspension stems from two incidents during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia earlier this month. On 6 September, after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Chile, Martinez repeated his controversial celebration from the 2022 World Cup by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch.

    The match was Argentina‘s first since their Copa America victory in the United States in July.

    In a second incident on 10 September, Martinez hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him following Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia.

    The Argentina Football Association expressed disagreement with the ban but acknowledged that Martinez was “responsible” for his actions. As a result, he will miss the upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.

    Martinez, who won the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup, made headlines for a similar gesture after receiving the trophy during the tournament’s presentation ceremony.

  • Champions League season starts today

    Champions League season starts today

    The highly anticipated 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season kicks off today, September 17, marking the beginning of an exciting journey to crown Europe’s top club.

    This season promises to be bigger and more thrilling than ever, with an expanded league phase and more matches to enjoy.

    The competition starts tonight with the curtain raiser seeing two matches kicking off at the same time with Juventus v PSV and Young Boys v Aston Villa.

    Clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool are also in action this evening. On Wednesday, Manchester City take on Inter Milan in a blockbuster fixture. Other clubs competing tomorrow include Celtic and Paris St-Germain.

    The revamped Champions League format increases the number of matches from 125 to 189, with each team playing a minimum of eight and a maximum of 17 games. The league phase, which previously concluded in December, will now finish at the end of January.

    Here are the important dates to keep in mind:

    • League Phase:
      • Matchday 1: September 17-19
      • Matchday 2: October 1/2
      • Matchday 3: October 22/23
      • Matchday 4: November 5/6
      • Matchday 5: November 26/27
      • Matchday 6: December 10/11
      • Matchday 7: January 21/22
      • Matchday 8: January 29
    • Knockout Stage:
      • Knockout round play-offs: February 11/12 & 18/19
      • Round of 16: March 4/5 & 11/12
      • Quarter-finals: April 8/9 & 15/16
      • Semi-finals: April 29/30 & May 6/7
      • Final: May 31
    • Draws:
      • First qualifying round: June 18, 2024
      • Second qualifying round: June 19, 2024
      • Third qualifying round: July 22, 2024
      • Play-offs: August 5, 2024
      • League phase: August 29, 2024
      • Knockout round play-offs: January 31, 2025
      • Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final: February 21, 2025

    The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season will culminate at the iconic Munich Football Arena in Germany, marking the first time the city has hosted the final since 2012.

  • Aston Villa finalizes £50m transfer for Everton’s Onana

    Aston Villa finalizes £50m transfer for Everton’s Onana

    Aston Villa have secured the signing of midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a £50m deal.

    The 22-year-old, who played every minute of Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign, will now have the chance to compete in the Champions League with Villa this season.

    Onana, who joined Everton from Lille for £33m in 2022, made 72 appearances and scored four goals for the Toffees. He was linked with Arsenal in 2023, and numerous top clubs expressed interest in him this summer.

    Villa manager Unai Emery was in search of a new defensive midfielder following the club’s sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.35m in June.

    Villa, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season, are bolstering their squad for the upcoming Champions League campaign, their first since the 1982-83 season, the year after they won the European Cup.

    With Onana’s arrival, Villa’s summer spending has reached approximately £140m.

    The club has also invested £35m in signing Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, £18.6m for the dual acquisition of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus, £18m to bring back Jaden Philogene from Hull, £5m for Ross Barkley’s transfer from Luton, and £9m for Lewis Dobbin’s move from Everton.

    Villa’s Premier League season will kick off at West Ham on Saturday, 17 August.

  • Emi Martinez eager to ‘fight’ club to be a part of Olympic squad 2024

    Emi Martinez eager to ‘fight’ club to be a part of Olympic squad 2024

    Emi Martinez is ready for a “fight” at Aston Villa, with the World Cup winner reiterating his desire to represent Argentina at the 2024 Olympics.

    The enigmatic goalkeeper is already part of his country’s plans for the Copa America, as they seek to defend that continental crown, but has previously told Ole of also turning out at international Games in Paris: “As many players have said, if Javier [Mascherano] is available and wants us, we are available.

    Obviously, the national team comes before the clubs and if the clubs let us, we always have the power to say that the national team is always ahead.

    And for us, it is a source of pride. I want to go. There are a lot of guys who want to go.”
    Mascherano has named a 23-man squad for Olympic warm-up matches but has yet to add overage players to that list.

    Martinez could be called upon despite the Copa America final being just 10 days prior to the event in France getting underway and the new Premier League season starting a week after the tournament finishes.

    Martinez has now told TyC Sports about battling for the right to form part of Argentina’s plans: “I’ve had the possibility to speak with Marche (Mascherano); it is a wish that I want to play, but it doesn’t obviously just depend on myself.

    The club has blocked me from going lots of times before but I want to play the Copa America and to have a little bit more strength at the end of the Copa America to make a decision.

    I know that I have to fight a little bit more with the club; it’s not 100 percent done but from my part, it is a wish that I have that I want to win the Olympics.

    It’s not obligatory for the club to let a player leave to play in the Olympics, I know that my club has not let any player go, they blocked everyone.

    A small chance, but I always put the national team in front and if I have to fight a little more with the club, I will, but first is the Copa America.

    It’s very difficult to fight with the club now because for us, the most important thing is to win the Copa America. Then comes the Olympics, and it is a personal wish of mine to win the trophy.”

    Villa, who will be gracing the Champions League in 2023-24 after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, have already blocked France coach Thierry Henry from selecting Lucas Digne and Moussa Diaby in his squad for a gold medal bid on home

  • Villa’s top-four hope dashes by Chelsea

    Villa’s top-four hope dashes by Chelsea

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino criticized video technology, stating that it is “damaging” English football after Axel Disasi had a stoppage-time winner disallowed in their draw at Aston Villa.

    Pochettino‘s team came from two goals down to draw and dent Villa’s top-four hopes, but Disasi’s goal was ruled out when referee Craig Pawson decided that Benoit Badiashile had committed a foul before the cross.

    The decision led to Chelsea’s players protesting and surrounding Pawson at the full-time whistle, while Pochettino engaged in a passionate discussion with Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

    https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1784364231132889330

    “They didn’t see a foul on the pitch and then VAR changed the decision of the referee,” Pochettino told BBC Match of the Day.

    “For me that was a normal challenge. The decision was there and that’s it.

    “For me it damaged a little bit the Premier League and English [football]. If we want to be the best league in the world it should be protecting the spectacle and the decision.

    “It damaged myself, damaged my team, my players, my fans.”

    https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1784375979466526954

    Aston Villa, whose top-four aspirations now rely on other results, took an early lead when John McGinn’s deflected effort found the net off Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella.

    Chelsea responded strongly, with Nicolas Jackson having a goal disallowed for offside by VAR and later hitting the post with a header.

    Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s lead with a composed finish from the left, but Chelsea pulled one back as Noni Madueke scored with a clever finish after pressing high up the pitch.

    Chelsea equalized through Conor Gallagher, who curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

    https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1784357608557814137

    Both teams had chances to win the game, with Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer missing opportunities for Villa, while Chelsea improved their performance in the second half after being criticized by Pochettino following their 5-0 loss to Arsenal.

    Chelsea’s defensive issues continued, as they have now gone 14 away games without a clean sheet, but they showed character to come back from two goals down against a strong Villa side.

  • New IFAB rule: This is why Emiliano Martinez remained on pitch even after 2 yellow cards

    New IFAB rule: This is why Emiliano Martinez remained on pitch even after 2 yellow cards

    Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez narrowly escaped a red card during his team’s match against Lille on Thursday, thanks to a lesser-known rule that resets yellow card counts before penalty shoot-outs.

    Martinez received a yellow card in the first half for timewasting, as Villa aimed to preserve their aggregate lead. Later, during the penalty shoot-out, the referee issued Martinez a second yellow card for his behaviour.

    To the surprise of many observers, Martinez was not sent off despite accumulating two yellow cards. This was not an error by the referee but rather a consequence of a recent rule alteration by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

    The IFAB decided that all cautions issued to players and coaches during regular time would not carry over to penalty shoot-outs. Therefore, although Martinez is officially recorded with two yellow cards, the first one did not count for penalties, allowing him to remain on the pitch.

    However, Martinez is expected to serve a one-game suspension for accumulating two yellow cards in one match. This suspension will likely take effect in the first leg of the semi-final.

    Following the match, Martinez maintained his innocence and claimed he had been unfairly targeted due to his reputation.

    “I just have a bad reputation for time-wasting because the other goalie was doing exactly the same thing,” Martinez said.

    He continued: “I get booked after 30 minutes, and we’re losing the game, so I don’t know what the ref wants from me. There was no ball on the penalty spot, and I’m asking for a ball from a ball boy and then I get booked. I don’t understand the rules.”

    The tie had ended 3-3 on aggregate, with Matt Cash’s late goal sending the game into extra time after Aston Villa had seen Lille wipe out their first leg lead to seize the initiative.

  • Aston Villa beat Arsenal to shatter title hopes

    Aston Villa beat Arsenal to shatter title hopes

    Aston Villa delivered a remarkable performance to stun Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, shifting the Premier League title race in favor of Manchester City.

    The match began with heightened expectations for the Gunners following Liverpool’s surprising home defeat by Crystal Palace. However, Arsenal failed to meet expectations and were convincingly defeated as Villa manager Unai Emery enjoyed a triumphant return to his former club.

    Despite Arsenal‘s struggles, they managed to hold off Villa’s impressive attacks for much of the game. However, Villa eventually secured a well-deserved victory, moving three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place, albeit having played one more game.

    It was not until six minutes from the end of regular time that Villa broke the deadlock, with Leon Bailey scoring a decisive goal with a low finish at the far post. Although Arsenal had their chances, including a stunning save by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Leandro Trossard in the first half, they were unable to find the back of the net.

    Villa sealed their victory in the 87th minute when Ollie Watkins raced clear and calmly lofted the ball over David Raya. This result capped off a perfect weekend for reigning champions Manchester City, who now sit two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, with Liverpool in third place on goal difference.

    https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1779618991201255643
  • Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly retires from international football

    Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly retires from international football

    Rachel Daly of Aston Villa has announced her retirement from international football.

    Daly made her debut for England in 2016, scoring her first goal against Serbia.

    With appearances at two World Cups and one European Championship, Daly earned a total of 84 senior caps for England, scoring 16 goals. She played a significant role in England’s success under Sarina Wiegman.

    Daly started in every game of England’s journey to the Euro 2022 final, playing as a left wing-back as England won the title at Wembley.

    She was also a key member of the team that reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Australia last summer, marking a historic achievement for the Lionesses.

    In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Daly said, external: “I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.

    “While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been a privilege.”

    https://twitter.com/RachelDaly3/status/1777985614903738547
  • Emi Martinez tells why he’s chosen Aston Villa amid ‘huge’ transfer offers

    Emi Martinez tells why he’s chosen Aston Villa amid ‘huge’ transfer offers

    World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has clarified why he hasn’t pursued a high-profile transfer away from Aston Villa.

    Despite his success with Argentina in the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup, Martinez remains content with his current club.

    Since joining Villa from Arsenal in 2020, he has been instrumental in their performances, recently achieving his 50th clean sheet against Wolves.

    The victory against their local rivals has bolstered Villa’s chances of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for the Champions League.

    Martinez prioritises helping Villa achieve success over seeking a move to a club already established in European football’s elite competitions.

    He has said, “Since I joined the club, we have progressed by leaps and bounds. When I arrived, we were at the bottom and became a mid-table club, then got to the Conference League and now we were recently fighting for first place.

    Obviously, after many injuries, we fell a little, but we are in the Champions League positions and in the quarter-finals of a European competition.

    The club hasn’t qualified for the Champions League for 45 years, so entering the Champions League would be like winning a title.

    It’s very good because it’s easy too jump to a giant club and play in the Champions League. But playing in the Champions League with a club that nobody expects to be there – the merit for me is a little more.”

    Martinez’s contract with Villa Park runs until the summer of 2027, indicating that, at 31 years old, he still has many years of top-level football ahead of him.

    Whether representing his club or his country, Martinez continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field, making significant contributions to both teams.

  • Arsenal make comeback to beat Aston Villa by 3 goals

    Arsenal make comeback to beat Aston Villa by 3 goals

    Arsenal staged a late comeback to defeat Aston Villa 3-1 and keep their slim Women’s Super League title hopes alive.

    Despite dominating most of the match, Arsenal had to come from behind at Villa Park, in a game delayed by 45 minutes due to travel disruptions.

    Villa opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a well-executed counter-attack. Jordan Nobbs played a precise through ball to Adriana Leon, who passed to Ebony Salmon to score past Manuela Zinsberger.

    Arsenal equalized in the 54th minute when Victoria Pelova capitalized on a rebound from Alessia Russo’s shot. Lotte Wubben-Moy then headed Arsenal into the lead two minutes later from Russo’s cross.

    Substitute Stina Blackstenius sealed the victory controversially in the 86th minute. She appeared to handle the ball before scoring, but the goal stood despite Villa’s protests.

    Arsenal’s victory keeps them six points behind joint WSL leaders Chelsea and Manchester City.

  • Red Devils beat Aston Villa thanks to Scott McTominay

    Red Devils beat Aston Villa thanks to Scott McTominay

    Scott McTominay emerged as the hero for Manchester United, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory over fellow Champions League contenders Aston Villa with a powerful header late in the game.

    The match was crucial for sixth-placed United, who couldn’t afford to lose ground to Unai Emery’s Villa, positioned just above them in the standings with a potential eight-point lead extending to an intimidating 11.

    Rasmus Hojlund, in exceptional form, gave United an early lead with his fifth consecutive Premier League goal, but Villa fought back strongly, equalizing through Douglas Luiz in the second half.

    With the match finely balanced, McTominay, known for his impact off the bench, rose to the occasion once again, netting his fourth goal as a substitute just minutes before the final whistle, securing a crucial win for United at Villa Park.

    Emery’s Villa side may feel unlucky not to have earned at least a point, while Erik ten Hag celebrates his first Premier League away victory as United manager against a top-eight opponent.

    This win also marks the first time this season that United have won four consecutive matches across all competitions.

    Despite an injury to Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane replaced him in the starting lineup, with the rest of the team remaining unchanged from their confidence-boosting win against West Ham.

    https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1756753019952128374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1756753019952128374%7Ctwgr%5E8e532a9e3401ad1ac5a57b72e418cb4a87ed6599%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.livescore.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2Ftwo-goal-conor-gallagher-returns-to-haunt-crystal-palace-in-chelsea-late-show

    United started the game confidently, with Marcus Rashford making a dynamic run from his own half early on. Hojlund capitalized on Maguire’s header from Fernandes’ set-piece to put United ahead in front of the Villa faithful.

    Villa responded strongly, with Ramsey and Bailey having attempts on goal, while McGinn’s thunderous strike was saved by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Despite Watkins’ efforts, Villa couldn’t breach United’s defense until Luiz’s equalizer in the second half.

    The match swung both ways in the latter stages, with both teams having opportunities to score. However, it was McTominay who ultimately settled the contest with his late winner, ensuring United’s victory on the road.

    Watkins and Cash made late attempts for Villa, but United held firm to claim all three points in a hard-fought encounter.

  • Ten Hag enthused about Man Utd’s mentality and the character after win over Aston Villa

    Ten Hag enthused about Man Utd’s mentality and the character after win over Aston Villa


    Manchester United showed     exceptional character and resilience to secure a late winning goal in their 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa, despite facing fatigue towards the end of the match, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

    Although Rasmus Hojlund’s early 17th-minute goal was equalized by Douglas Luiz’s strike in the second half, substitute Scott McTominay’s decisive goal in the 86th minute propelled sixth-placed United to 41 points after claiming their third consecutive victory.

    “I liked especially the first 20 minutes, when we are dictating the game. After I think we are dropping a little bit too much,” Ten Hag told reporters on Sunday.

    “We had our moments in the counter attacks, but yeah, I think then at 1-1, to fight back, we are really happy for today… I think it was really high intensity and you could see how many players were so, so fatigued by the end.

    “It was so open and it could go two ways. But then finally, I think we found the mentality and the character to win this game. And I think also the subs, they have had an impact.”


    During the victory, Manchester United faced an injury concern as defender Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined for a significant part of the season due to injury, was substituted at half-time.

    Ten Hag said the England left back’s substitution was precautionary, adding: “He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk with him, especially Luke Shaw, because he has had so many injuries in the past.

    “We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days.”

    United next travel to 17th-placed Luton on Sunday.

  • Chelsea beat Aston Villa in FA Cup game

    Chelsea beat Aston Villa in FA Cup game

    Chelsea delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, advancing in the FA Cup and alleviating pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino.

    Enzo Fernandez’s remarkable free-kick, along with first-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson, secured the win.

    Despite Moussa Diaby’s injury-time goal for Villa, Chelsea remained in control throughout the match. With this victory, Chelsea now prepares to host Leeds in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

    After recent disappointing performances, including losses to Wolves and Liverpool, Chelsea’s resurgence brought back memories of their dominant displays under former owner Roman Abramovich.

    With upcoming fixtures in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, Chelsea has the opportunity to salvage success this season, despite their struggles in the Premier League.

    On the other hand, Villa faced questions about their consistency following a second consecutive home defeat. Despite manager Unai Emery’s emphasis on crucial fixtures, Villa failed to mount a comeback against Chelsea after an initial bright start.

    Chelsea took control early in the match, with Gallagher opening the scoring before Jackson doubled the lead with a precise header. Fernandez’s stunning free-kick extended Chelsea’s advantage further.

    Although Villa attempted to rally, they were unable to mount a significant comeback, with Diaby’s late goal serving as mere consolation. Chelsea’s dominance on the field reflected a marked improvement from their recent performances, signaling renewed hope for the remainder of the season.

  • Newcastle taste victory against Aston Villa

    Newcastle taste victory against Aston Villa

    Newcastle handed Aston Villa their first home Premier League defeat in almost a year, securing a remarkable 3-1 victory.

    Fabian Schar scored twice in a span of four first-half minutes, and an own goal from Alex Moreno in the second half sealed the Magpies’ win.

    Ollie Watkins managed a consolation goal for Villa, who suffered their first league loss at Villa Park since February of the previous year.

    Despite remaining in fourth place, Villa has played more games than league leaders Liverpool and rivals Manchester City. Tottenham could catch up if they win against Brentford on Wednesday. The Magpies, on the other hand, had faced a slump with six losses in their last seven league games but climbed to seventh with this crucial win, although they still trail Villa by 11 points.

    Newcastle had initially dominated Villa in the season opener with a 5-1 win, but the fortunes of both teams changed since then. Emery’s side had been strong at home, with only Sheffield United previously managing to secure a point at Villa Park this season. In contrast, the Magpies had struggled away from home, securing only one victory.

    The visitors took control early in the match, creating chances, and exposing gaps in Villa’s defense. Jacob Murphy’s precise delivery found Anthony Gordon, but Emi Martinez made a crucial save. The Magpies capitalized on their dominance, with Schar scoring two goals in quick succession from corners.

    Villa failed to recover after the break, and Miguel Almiron, who replaced the injured Alexander Isak, set up Murphy for a third goal with an unfortunate own goal from Moreno. Despite Newcastle’s apparent control, Villa fought back, and Watkins scored his 50th Premier League goal with a header. However, a VAR decision denied him another goal shortly after, allowing Newcastle to hold on for the victory.

    The win lifted Newcastle to seventh place, while Villa, in fourth, faces the risk of being overtaken by Tottenham in the standings.

  • Aston Villa end 2023 on a high after beating Burnley

    Aston Villa end 2023 on a high after beating Burnley

    Aston Villa moved level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool as Douglas Luiz’s late penalty secured a 3-2 home win over 10-man Burnley.

    Villa led at the break thanks to a Moussa Diaby finish after Leon Bailey’s 28th-minute opener for the hosts had been cancelled out three minutes later by Zeki Amdouni.

    Burnley suffered a further setback with Sander Berge sent off early in the second half, but it looked as if it could prove a frustrating afternoon for Villa after Lyle Foster drew things level again in the 71st minute.

    Luiz then had the final say, converting from the spot with a minute of normal time remaining, as Unai Emery’s side moved up a place to second in the table, joining Liverpool on 42 points ahead of the Reds hosting Newcastle on New Year’s Day.

    The 26th league win of their superb 2023 under Emery saw the midlands outfit bounce back from the 3-2 Boxing Day loss at Manchester United, with normal service resumed at Villa Park after the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on December 22 had ended a club-record run of 15 consecutive home league wins.

    Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, meanwhile, remain second-bottom, five points adrift of safety.

    Villa had a couple of opportunities in the opening quarter-hour, with Diaby sending a volley wide and another from Ollie Watkins saved by James Trafford.

    Burnley were then forced into an early change as Jordan Beyer was replaced by Hannes Delcroix, before starting to show some threat as Josh Brownhill struck wide and quickly brought a save out of Emiliano Martinez.

    Within moments Villa were ahead, Watkins cutting into the box from the left and laying the ball to Bailey who took a touch and fired past Trafford via a deflection.

    The lead proved short-lived, with Burnley hitting back almost immediately through Amdouni’s hooked effort after Dara O’Shea had headed a free-kick across goal.

    The visitors then had the ball in the net again in the 37th minute, but Foster’s finish was ruled out for offside.

    Villa regained the advantage five minutes later with Watkins again the creator, the England striker fashioning the cut-back from which Diaby turned the ball home.

    Following Foster and Amdouni efforts saved by Martinez either side of the interval, Burnley were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute when Berge collected a second yellow card having tugged at the shirt of Luiz.

    Diaby curled over soon after before Foster prodded wide following a possible handball by Diego Carlos just outside the box that brought no action from referee Stuart Attwell.

    Villa cranked up the pressure as Trafford denied John McGinn and Diaby before Luiz, Jacob Ramsey and Diaby, twice, shot off target.

    The hosts were then left ruing that as Foster held off Alex Moreno and fired in for his first goal since returning to action after an eight-match absence in which he had been receiving care for his mental health.

    It appeared as if Villa’s wastefulness might cost them, but as stoppage time drew near a challenge by former Villa man Aaron Ramsey on fellow substitute Jhon Duran prompted Attwell to point to the spot and Luiz converted the penalty with a shot that bounced down off the bar to ensure a fine calendar year ended on a high for Emery’s team.

  • Manchester United emerge victorious against Aston Villa at Old Trafford

    Manchester United emerge victorious against Aston Villa at Old Trafford

    Manchester United secured a remarkable comeback victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in front of an energetic Boxing Day crowd.

    In the first half, Aston Villa took the lead with a John McGinn set-play that found the net, followed by Leander Dendoncker doubling their lead from a corner just five minutes later.

    Erik ten Hag’s team displayed resilience and determination after the break. Although an Alejandro Garnacho goal was initially ruled offside by VAR, the Argentine international responded with two goals in just over 10 minutes, leveling the score for the Reds.

    The turning point came when Rasmus Hojlund, scoring his first Premier League goal for the club, emerged as the hero, securing a crucial win for Manchester United. The victory delighted the home fans and showcased the team’s fighting spirit on Boxing Day.

    MATCH DETAILS

    United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo (McTominay 80), Eriksen (Gore 90+3); Garnacho (Hannibal 90+3), Fernandes, Rashford (Antony 80); Hojlund (Kambwala 88).

    Substitutes not used: Bayindir, Reguilon, van de Beek, Pellistri.

    Bookings: Fernandes.

    Goals: Garnacho 59, 72, Hojlund 82.

    Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne (Moreno 50); McGinn (Duran 86), Dendoncker (Ireogbunam 86), Luiz, Ramsey (Diaby 77); Bailey (Zaniolo 77), Watkins.

    Substitutes: Marschall, Proctor, Chambers, Torres.

    Bookings: Ramsey, Carlos, Konsa.

    Goals: McGinn 21, Dendoncker 26.

  • Aston Villa want to sign former Chelsea striker Timo Werner

    Aston Villa want to sign former Chelsea striker Timo Werner

    Aston Villa is reportedly interested in signing former Chelsea striker Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig during the January transfer window.

    Werner, who spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge, returned to RB Leipzig in 2022 after scoring 23 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea.

    The 27-year-old German has faced challenges securing playing time at Leipzig this season, contributing two goals in 14 appearances, with only four starts.

    Villa, managed by Unai Emery, is looking to bolster its squad and is interested in Werner as a potential backup for star striker Ollie Watkins.

    The club is aiming for success in both the Premier League and the Europa Conference League. The report also suggests that Villa plans to pursue a high-profile striker in the summer transfer window, with eased Financial Fair Play concerns allowing for more significant moves in the market.

    As of now, Aston Villa occupies the third position in the Premier League and has advanced to the knockout phase of the Europa Conference League.

  • Nicolo Zaniolo saves Aston Villa from defeat in game against Sheffield United

    Nicolo Zaniolo saves Aston Villa from defeat in game against Sheffield United

    Aston Villa missed the opportunity to go top of the Premier League, settling for a 1-1 draw against struggling Sheffield United. Nicolo Zaniolo’s late goal rescued Villa after Cameron Archer’s 87th-minute strike had initially given the Blades the lead.

    The draw meant Villa remains in the second position, trailing behind Arsenal on goal difference. Sheffield United, despite their near-victory, managed to climb off the bottom of the table.

    Leon Bailey had a disallowed goal, and Villa had three penalty claims rejected by VAR. The hosts failed to capitalize on their dominance, and the match looked destined for a surprising Sheffield United win until Zaniolo’s late equalizer.

    The game marked a contrast from three-and-a-half years ago when Villa narrowly avoided defeat against the Blades. Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, expressed frustration after the match, while Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder employed a defensive strategy that almost secured a remarkable win for the visitors.

    Despite missing the chance to go above Arsenal, Villa’s progress in the league remains evident. Sheffield United, on the other hand, showcased resilience, and the draw moved them off the bottom of the table. The match ended with Zaniolo’s header deep into stoppage time salvaging a point for Aston Villa.

  • Legia Warsaw fans barred from attending next five European away games – UEFA announces

    Legia Warsaw fans barred from attending next five European away games – UEFA announces

    UEFA has announced a series of sanctions against Polish club Legia Warsaw in response to crowd disturbances preceding their Europa League match against Aston Villa last month.

    Following clashes with the police outside the stadium, Legia fans were denied entry to the match in Birmingham on Nov. 30.

    Aston Villa filed a complaint with UEFA regarding the behaviour of Legia’s supporters.

    The UEFA Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body has decided to impose a ban on Legia Warsaw, prohibiting the sale of tickets to their away supporters for the next five UEFA games.

    The ban is a consequence of crowd disturbances, acts of damage, the throwing of objects, and the lighting of fireworks.

    In addition to the ban, Legia has been fined €100,000 ($107,880) and is required to contact Aston Villa within 30 days for the settlement of damages caused by their supporters.

    UEFA has also issued a €20,000 fine to the Ukrainian Football Association for the racist behaviour of their supporters during the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.

    The governing body has ordered a partial stadium closure during the Ukrainian team’s next home UEFA competition match.

  • Leon Bailey secures victory for Aston Villa in game against Man City

    Leon Bailey secures victory for Aston Villa in game against Man City

    Leon Bailey’s second-half goal secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory for Aston Villa over Manchester City, extending Villa’s impressive home record to a club-record 14 successive league wins.

    Bailey’s decisive moment came in the 74th minute when he skillfully cut inside and saw his shot deflect off Ruben Dias’ foot, beating Ederson and sending Villa Park into celebration.

    Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, put on a dominant and energetic display throughout the match, registering 22 attempts at goal compared to City’s two. The defensive efforts, including a stunning double-stop by Emi Martínez in the first half, ensured Villa’s victory.

    The win also marked the end of a 15-match winless streak against Manchester City in all competitions, dating back a decade.

    Aston Villa v Manchester City

    With this victory, Villa climbed to third place in the Premier League table, having lost just once in their last 13 matches. They are now one win away from equaling a club-record 24 top-flight wins in a calendar year.

    Boubacar Kamara returned to Villa’s starting XI having missed Sunday’s 2-2 draw at AFC Bournemouth due to a one-match suspension.

    Otherwise, head coach Emery, taking charge of his 50th match for Villa, named an unchanged line-up for the visit of the reigning champions.

    Aston Villa v Manchester City

    Just one point and one place separated the two teams in the table ahead of the encounter, and it was a raucous Villa Park that greeted the sides at kick-off.

  • Moreno leads Aston Villa to victory against Legia Warszawa

    Moreno leads Aston Villa to victory against Legia Warszawa

    Álex Moreno celebrated his return to Aston Villa with his inaugural goal for the club, securing a pivotal 2-1 triumph over Legia Warszawa and asserting control of UEFA Europa Conference League Group E while confirming progress to the knockout stages.

    Making his season debut after recovering from injury, Moreno seized the opportune moment to score his first goal in claret and blue. Positioned at the far post, he met Douglas Luiz’s deep free-kick with a right-footed volley.

    Moussa Diaby had earlier given Villa an early lead with his fourth goal of the season, but Ernest Muci, who scored twice in Legia’s 3-2 victory on matchday one, equalized midway through the first half.

    The victory places Unai Emery’s team atop the group standings, three points ahead of second-placed Legia. With their place in the knockout stages already secured, a single point at HŠK Zrinjski on matchday six will guarantee Villa’s top spot.

    Despite Leon Bailey’s late attempt to secure the necessary two-goal margin hitting the underside of the crossbar and bouncing away, the win extends Villa’s impressive form with nine victories in 11 matches across all competitions. They now head into Sunday’s Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth in high spirits.

    Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

    Moreno, returning as the fit-again left-back for his first appearance since May’s draw at Liverpool last season, featured in Villa’s starting lineup.

    Head coach Emery made five changes from the 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur, including Robin Olsen in goal and the return of Clément Lenglet, Youri Tielemans, and Jhon Durán to the XI. The dream start came as Diaby capitalized on Tielemans’ pass, cutting inside and curling an effort beyond Legia skipper Kacper Tobiasz after just four minutes.

    Durán forced a one-hand save from Tobiasz shortly afterwards, but the visitors were level in the 20th minute as Muci capitalised on a defensive error at the back to curl into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

    And in a first half of few clear-cut openings, that was the way it remained until the break as both sides went into the interval on level terms.

    Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

    The second period started with chances at either end as Gil Dias sent a stooping header against the crossbar, while Diaby was denied by a super save from Tobiasz.

    And it was the hosts who retook the lead just before the hour as Moreno arrived at the back post to convert Luiz’s free-kick with a well-taken right-footed volley.

    Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

    Bailey and Jacob Ramsey were introduced just after 70 minutes and the latter went close to a third as he curled narrowly wide of the far post.

    Bailey then went even closer in the closing stages as he saw his lofted attempt rebound off the underside of the crossbar, nevertheless, the Villans claimed an important victory and all three points.

  • A baller and a rapper! Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann shows off rapping skills

    A baller and a rapper! Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann shows off rapping skills

    Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann, renowned for her skillful dribbling and goal-scoring abilities, surprised fans by showcasing her talent for rapping.

    This revelation came during her appearance on the BBC series “Unlocked.”

    Lehmann, the Swiss international, shared that in addition to her prowess on the field, she and her former Aston Villa teammate, Shania Hayles, have been experimenting with a rap song, offering a sneak peek into their creative venture.


    “My last note?” she asked through laughter. “Me and Shania [Hayles]—she played with me last season—we wrote a little rap song. But I can’t show it,” she said. “It’s unreleased. You will hear it when it’s released.”


    However, after repeated coaxing, she shared a line that went like this: “I have a necklace, right? It [says] ‘AL’,” before reading the line, ‘Strutting with my necklace on, it’s AL baby, that’s my name’.”


    When asked if she would release the song, Lehmann promptly replied, “No, obviously not. I’m a footballer!”


    Lehmann is an Instagram sensation and boasts of having over 16 million fans on the social media platform, which makes her one of the most followed women’s football figures globally.


    Her popularity cut across celebrities, including some Hollywood A-listers.

    Lehmann had earlier revealed that music sensation Drake sent her a private text message asking for a jersey, whereas, on another occasion, she was offered £90,000 by a famous celeb while she was partying at a club in Miami.


    Lehmann will be eager to answer her critics on the pitch when Aston Villa host Chelsea on Saturday in the WSL after she was targeted by trolls for wearing makeup during Switzerland’s 7-1 loss to Spain.

  • Villa,Vissel partnership set to open doors for Japanese talent to Europe

    Villa,Vissel partnership set to open doors for Japanese talent to Europe


    Premier League club Aston Villa     have agreed to a partnership with Japan’s Vissel Kobe, which will see them share resources to improve youth development.

    “The partnership will look to further open up pathways for talented Japanese players to play in Europe and, ultimately, at Aston Villa,” Villa said.

    “This synergy between the clubs will also extend to the first team level, with the exchange of technical knowledge and coaching methodology together with collaboration in the areas of performance, scouting and recruitment, data analysis and overall squad management.”

    Furthermore, Villa disclosed that two players from Kobe’s Under-16 team will participate in training sessions with their academy this month.

    In addition, Villa’s academy squad is set to compete in an international tournament to be held in Japan in 2024.

    Villa currently holds the fifth position in the Premier League standings and is scheduled to face West Ham United next on Sunday.

    Kobe, leading the Japanese standings, is gearing up for a match against the Kashima Antlers on Saturday.

  • Chelsea fans jeer at players after loss to Aston Villa

    Chelsea fans jeer at players after loss to Aston Villa

    Following a disheartening loss to Aston Villa on Sunday, September 24, 2023, a segment of Chelsea fans couldn’t conceal their disappointment, expressing their dissatisfaction by booing the players.

    The Blues, who are currently in the midst of a three-game winless streak, endured a 1-0 defeat at home, marking their second consecutive loss on their home turf.

    According to talkSPORT, audible jeers were heard following another frustrating performance at Stamford Bridge.

    Despite largely dominating the match, Chelsea was unable to capitalise on their opportunities.

    Center-back Axel Disasi appeared to have put the home side ahead in the first half, but his goal was disallowed for offside after receiving a cross from Raheem Sterling.

    In the second half, Chelsea’s woes were compounded when Malo Gusto received a red card for a reckless tackle on Lucas Digne, reducing them to ten men.

    However, despite being a player short, the home team still had several chances to take the lead, with Sterling squandering the most significant opportunity.

    Aston Villa eventually seized the lead through Ollie Watkins, who scored from a challenging angle following a swift counter-attack.

    This goal secured three points for Aston Villa, propelling them to sixth place in the standings, while Chelsea, after the home defeat, slipped to 14th place.

    Chelsea’s struggles in front of the goal were further highlighted, as they have now gone three games without scoring.

  • Chelsea players booed at after losing to Aston Villa

    Chelsea players booed at after losing to Aston Villa

    Following Chelsea‘s loss to Aston Villa on Sunday, September 24, 2023, a segment of fans expressed their discontent with the team’s recent performances by booing the players.

    The Blues, who have not secured a win in their last three games, suffered a 1-0 defeat at home, marking their second consecutive home loss.

    According to talkSPORT, audible boos resonated from the crowd after another disappointing performance at Stamford Bridge.

    Despite Chelsea dominating most of the match, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

    Center-back Axel Disasi appeared to put Chelsea ahead in the first half, but his goal was disallowed due to offside.

    In the second half, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto received a red card for a reckless tackle on Lucas Digne, reducing the team to ten men.

    Despite the disadvantage, Chelsea had several opportunities to take the lead, with Raheem Sterling missing a crucial chance.

    Aston Villa eventually seized the lead through Ollie Watkins, who scored from a challenging angle after a smooth counterattack.

    This goal secured three points for Aston Villa, elevating them to 6th place in the table, while Chelsea dropped to 14th following the home defeat.

    Chelsea’s goal drought continued as they failed to score in three consecutive games.

  • Jordan Ayew injured in game against Aston Villa

    Jordan Ayew injured in game against Aston Villa

    Ghanaian international Jordan Ayew sustained an injury during Crystal Palace’s recent defeat to Aston Villa in the English Premier League over the weekend.

    Ayew, a key figure for the Eagles in the ongoing campaign, was forced to leave the pitch when his team suffered a 3-1 loss at Villa Park on Saturday.

    Unfortunately, he could only manage 25 minutes of play before being substituted for Jean-Phillipe Mateta.

    The injury is a significant setback for Crystal Palace, given Ayew’s pivotal role for the club this season.

    The full extent of his injury is expected to be assessed and disclosed later this week.

    Notably, Ayew recently scored his 20th goal for Ghana in a friendly match against Liberia last Tuesday. Additionally, he has surpassed John Paintsil to become the fourth most capped player for the Black Stars.

  • Keinan Davis leaves Aston Villa for Udinese

    Keinan Davis leaves Aston Villa for Udinese

    Aston Villa has officially announced the permanent transfer of Keinan Davis to Udinese.

    Davis has made the move to the Italian club for an undisclosed transfer fee.

    The striker initially joined Villa in 2015 after a successful trial period and went on to make his debut for the club in January 2017 during an FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur.

    In the latter part of the 2021/22 season, Davis was loaned out to Nottingham Forest, contributing to their promotion to the Premier League. Additionally, during the previous season, he made 34 appearances for Watford on a season-long loan.

    Aston Villa expressed their gratitude to Keinan for his contributions to the club and extended their best wishes for his future endeavors.

  • Aston Villa sign Zaniolo on loan

    Aston Villa sign Zaniolo on loan

    Aston Villa has secured the services of Italy’s Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray on a loan basis, pending the approval of a successful visa application.

    Additionally, it’s reported that Aston Villa will possess an option to make the signing permanent.

    Aged 24, Zaniolo is poised to step into the role vacated by Emiliano Buendia, who recently suffered a significant knee ligament injury.

    Zaniolo, an attacking midfielder, had recently joined Galatasaray from Roma in January, but he is now on his way to the Premier League to represent Aston Villa.

    He spoke about the move on Villa’s website, saying: “Aston Villa is one of the best teams in England and in the Premier League. 

    “I want to play and show my quality. Unai Emery is one of the greatest coaches in the world. And for me, this is a big occasion to show my quality. 

    “For the team, it’s a chance to do big things.”

    Villa sporting director Monchi signed Zaniolo for Roma, developing a relationship that has likely helped the Midlands outfit seal the quickfire deal.

    He scored the winning goal as the Serie A side won the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2022 — a competition Villa will compete in for the first time this term.

  • Aston Villa set to sign Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo

    Aston Villa set to sign Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo

    Aston Villa is on the verge of securing the services of Nicolo Zaniolo, a mere six months after his transfer to Galatasaray from Roma.

    Reportedly, Villa is poised to acquire Italian midfielder Zaniolo on a loan basis from Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, as per TuttoSport.

    This loan arrangement involves a fee of €3 million (£2.6 million/$3.3 million), with Villa retaining the option to convert the move into a permanent transfer for €27 million (£23.1 million/$29.5 million).

    Zaniolo, renowned for his decisive goal in the 2022 Europa League final for Roma, departed the Italian capital for Galatasaray in February due to diminishing opportunities under the management of Jose Mourinho.

    Galatasaray initiated the move with an initial payment of €16.5 million (£14.1 million or $18 million).

    Upon joining Villa, Zaniolo will mark the club’s fourth acquisition of the summer, joining the ranks of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, and Youri Tielemans.

    In the event that Villa chooses to make Zaniolo’s transfer permanent, two of his former clubs, namely Roma and Inter, are entitled to receive sell-on fees.

    During his brief stint at Galatasaray, Zaniolo participated in 11 matches, demonstrating his prowess by scoring five goals and providing an additional assist.

    With an eye towards reinforcing the squad, Unai Emery, the manager of Villa, is aiming to bolster the team following a 5-1 defeat against Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

  • Spain defender Torres unites with Emery at Aston Villa

    Spain defender Torres unites with Emery at Aston Villa

    Spanish international defender Pau Torres has reconnected with boss Unai Emery after his Wednesday transfer from Villarreal to Premier League team Aston Villa,

    At an alleged cost of £35 million ($45 million), Torres, 26, will join Villa.

    In 2021, Villarreal’s team led by Emery won the Europa League and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

    The center-back was a vital member of that team.

    Torres, who has been capped 23 times by Spain, was a product of the Villarreal youth academy and made 123 appearances for his boyhood club.

    He joins midfielder Youri Tielemans, a Belgian international who joined Villa from Leicester earlier in the summer window.

    Emery oversaw a spectacular transition in Villa’s first season under his leadership, and they will play in Europe for the first time since 2010 next season.

    A seventh-place Premier League result was enough to guarantee a spot in the European Conference League.

    In October, Emery took over for the fired Steve Gerrard as Villa were barely above the relegation zone.

  • UEFA eases regulations on multi-club ownership, permitting AC Milan, Aston Villa to partake in Euro competitions

    UEFA eases regulations on multi-club ownership, permitting AC Milan, Aston Villa to partake in Euro competitions

    On Friday, UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) announced that it has cleared the path for several teams to participate in next season’s competitions, following the relaxation of its rules on multi-club ownership.

    Aston Villa and Vitoria Sport Clube, Brighton & Hove Albion and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, as well as AC Milan and Toulouse, had initially faced proceedings due to potential conflicts with the multi-club ownership regulation.

    AC Milan and Toulouse are predominantly owned by RedBird Capital Partners, while Aston Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have a stake in Vitoria. Brighton owner Tony Bloom also holds a stake in Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.

    The decision by the CFCB clears these teams to compete, signaling a more lenient approach towards multi-club ownership in European football.

    “Following the implementation of significant changes by the clubs and their related investors, the CFCB First Chamber accepted the admission of the aforementioned clubs to the UEFA club competitions for the 2023-24 season,” UEFA said.

    “The CFCB found that the significant changes implemented brought the clubs into compliance with the multi-club ownership rule.”

    The rules say no club may hold or deal in securities or shares of any other club participating in UEFA’s competitions and that no club can be a member of any other club participating in UEFA competitions.

    Furthermore, no one person has the power to be “simultaneously involved” in management, administration and/or sporting performance of any club and they must not have any “control or decisive influence” over more than one club.

    “More specifically, the significant changes that were implemented relate to the ownership, governance and financing structure of the concerned clubs,” UEFA added.

    “These changes substantially restrict the investors’ influence and decision-making power over more than one club, ensuring compliance with the multi-club ownership rule.

    “Some of the significant actions taken include significant reduction of the investors’ shareholding in one of the clubs, or transfer of the effective control and decision making of one of the clubs to an independent party (and) significant restrictions in the ability to provide financing to more than one club.”

    The clubs will not be allowed to transfer players to each other — permanently or on loan — until September 2024 and cannot share scouting databases.

  • ‘Aston Villa agree Torres deal with Villarreal’

    ‘Aston Villa agree Torres deal with Villarreal’


    Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Villarreal to acquire the services of defender Pau Torres, the Athletic has reported

    The report suggests that the Spanish international has successfully negotiated personal terms with Villa, establishing him as one of Unai Emery’s primary targets at the beginning of the summer transfer window.

    Should the transfer materialize, it would result in a reunion between Torres and Emery, who previously collaborated during their time at Villarreal.

    The 26-year-old center-back’s potential move to Villa Park signifies an exciting development for both the player and the club.

    Torres made 39 appearances in all competitions for Villarreal last season and was part of Spain’s squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

  • Aston Villa’s captain, John McGinn, signs new long term contract with club

    Aston Villa’s captain, John McGinn, signs new long term contract with club

    Aston Villa has confirmed that their captain, John McGinn, has agreed to a new long-term contract.

    The midfielder’s extension ensures his stay at the club until 2027.

    McGinn joined Aston Villa from Hibernian in 2018 and played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2019, scoring a goal in the Championship play-off final against Derby.

    The 28-year-old was named club captain last summer and was a key part of the Villa set-up last season, making 34 Premier League appearances.

    He helped the club secure European football for the first time since 2010 after a stunning turnaround under manager Unai Emery saw Villa finish seventh in the league.

    McGinn also represents Scotland on the international stage, earning 56 caps for his country, and he recently featured in their Euro 2024 qualifying wins against Georgia and Norway.

  • Sevilla Monchi, departs club to join Aston Villa as the President of Football Operations

    Sevilla Monchi, departs club to join Aston Villa as the President of Football Operations

    Sevilla’s sporting director, Monchi, has departed from his position to assume the role of President of Football Operations at Aston Villa, as announced by both clubs on Friday.

    This move reunites Monchi with coach Unai Emery at Aston Villa.

    During his tenure at Sevilla, Monchi led the team to an impressive record of seven Europa League titles, two Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) victories, and a European Super Cup triumph.

    “I am very excited to join Aston Villa… I am also delighted and can’t wait to work with Unai Emery again, one of the best managers in football,” Monchi said in a statement.

    “After enjoying so many years with Sevilla FC and winning several European trophies with my life-long club, I look forward to building on the recent successes at Aston Villa and ensuring this colossal club continues to grow and improve,” he added.

    Monchi is ending his second spell in the same role with the LaLiga club. He left Sevilla in 2017 to become AS Roma’s sporting director before returning to the Spanish side in 2019.

    Emery left Sevilla last October to take over at Villa and lifted them out of the relegation places to finish seventh in the Premier League, guiding the club into European football for the first time in more than a decade.

  • Tielemans leaves Leicester to join Aston Villa

    Tielemans leaves Leicester to join Aston Villa

    Aston Villa has reached an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans, the Belgium international, upon the expiration of his contract with Leicester City, who were relegated from the Premier League.

    Villa has officially announced that the 26-year-old midfielder will become a part of their team starting from July 1, following his four-year stint at the King Power Stadium.

    A statement on the club’s official website said: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce that the club has reached an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans.

    “The Belgian international will officially become a Villan on July 1 after his contract with Leicester City has expired.”

    Tielemans joined Leicester from Monaco in a £40million deal in July 2019 after a successful loan spell during the second half of the previous season, having begun his career with Anderlecht.

    In all, he made 195 appearances for the Foxes and scored 28 goals, including the spectacular winner as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the 2021 FA Cup final.

    He also represented his country at the finals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020.

  • Ashley Young to leave Aston Villa – club management confirms

    Ashley Young to leave Aston Villa – club management confirms

    Ashley Young is set to depart Aston Villa this summer when his contract expires.

    After winning the Serie A championship with Inter Milan, the 37-year-old returned to Villa in 2021.

    “Aston Villa can confirm that Ashley Young will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract,” read a club statement.

    “Everyone at Aston Villa would like to sincerely thank Ashley for his service to the club and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

    Young made over 100 appearances for Watford before joining Villa in 2007.

    He signed for Manchester United in 2011 and won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during nine years at Old Trafford.

    Young moved to Inter in 2020 and became the third Englishman to win Italy’s top prize after Jimmy Greaves and Gerry Hitchens in 1963.

    The 39-times England international, who can play as a left-back or left wing, made 32 appearances last season and 250 for Villa across his two spells with the club.


    Ashley Young is an English professional footballer who primarily plays as a winger or full-back. He was born on July 9, 1985, in Stevenage, England. Young began his youth career at Watford and eventually made his professional debut for the club in 2003.

    Young quickly made a name for himself with his pace, versatility, and technical skills on the pitch. He caught the attention of Premier League side Aston Villa, where he played from 2007 to 2011. During his time at Villa, Young established himself as one of the top talents in English football, earning several individual accolades and attracting interest from larger clubs.

    In 2011, Young made a high-profile transfer to Manchester United, one of the most successful clubs in England. He spent eight seasons at Old Trafford, contributing significantly to the team’s success. During his time at Manchester United, Young won numerous trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and UEFA Europa League.

    Known for his versatility, Young often played as a winger or full-back but could also fill in as an attacking midfielder. He was praised for his work rate, crossing ability, and set-piece expertise. Young also represented the England national team, earning over 40 caps and participating in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.

    In 2020, Young transferred to Italian club Inter Milan, where he continued to showcase his skills in Serie A. His stint at Inter Milan was successful, as the team won the Serie A title in the 2020-2021 season.

    Overall, Ashley Young’s career has been marked by consistent performances, versatility, and success at both the club and international levels.

  • Carla Ward signs new two-year contract with Aston Villa

    Carla Ward signs new two-year contract with Aston Villa

    Carla Ward, the manager of Aston Villa Women’s Super League team, has put pen to paper on a fresh two-year contract with the club.

    At the age of 39, Ward initially extended her contract until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season back in January 2023, having joined Aston Villa in 2021.

    Now, she has agreed to remain at the helm until the culmination of the 2024-25 campaign, with the possibility of an additional year’s extension included in the deal.

    Villa’s head of women’s football Lee Billiard said: “This is tremendous news for Carla and the club.

    “We have continued to see substantial improvement in the team under her leadership, both individually and collectively, and this contract extension will allow her to continue progressing and building on our strategy to try to develop young players while putting Aston Villa at the heart of the women’s game in England at this exciting time.”

    Ward arrived at Villa for the start of the 2021-22 season and guided them to an improved ninth-place finish in the WSL.

    Last week’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool in their last home game of the season secured Ward’s side a fifth-place finish in the table.

    Villa became the first side outside the WSL’s top four to register 10 league wins in a season and Ward, nominated for the manager of the season award, also won the WSL’s manager of the month award on three occasions.

  • Emiliano Martinez promises to “cut salary” and bring Messi to Aston Villa

    Emiliano Martinez promises to “cut salary” and bring Messi to Aston Villa

    Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has made an astonishing proposal to bring Lionel Messi to the club.

    Martinez, aged 30, and Messi, aged 35, were teammates for Argentina when they won the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the previous year.

    Messi emerged as the joint top scorer in the tournament, leading his country to their third World Cup victory.

    Martinez played a crucial role in Argentina’s success, making impressive saves in two penalty shoot-outs and earning the prestigious Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper.

    Martinez

    Now Messi is weighing up his options as he prepares to make what could be the final move of his club career.

    Messi and Martinez won the World Cup together in QatarCredit

    He is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season after two years, having been booed by his own fans last month.

    The Barcelona legend has been linked with a move back to the Catalan giants, although it is unclear whether they will be able to afford his wages.

    Messi has also reportedly received a lucrative £350million-a-year offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

    But Martinez has come out and offered to reduce his wages in order to bring his fellow countryman to the Midlands.

    He told ESPN: “If they are whistling Messi, I would bring him here… at Villa. 

    “Hey, man, we’ll drink mate, we eat asados [roasted meat] every week. I will cut my salary, we’ll do our best.”

    Villa are in line for a Europa Conference League place next season as they sit seventh in the Premier League table.

    Emi Martinez has made a startling offer to bring Lionel Messi to Aston VillaCredit

    But a move for Messi remains a somewhat fanciful dream as the Argentine approaches the final stages of his career.

    After PSG handed him a two-week suspension for missing training due to a trip to Saudi Arabia, the Ligue 1 champions’ fans booed him upon his return to the side.

    And the fractured relationship between Messi and the club has brought an end to any discussions about him extending his stay in the French capital.

  • This is Bundesliga star who Real Madrid targets to replace Marco Asensio

    This is Bundesliga star who Real Madrid targets to replace Marco Asensio

    Marco Asensio’s contract with Real Madrid is set to expire at the end of June, and he has expressed uncertainty about signing a new one with the club.

    Several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, indicating strong competition for his services.

    Real Madrid, in preparation for the potential departure of Asensio, have reportedly identified Olmo as a potential replacement in the upcoming transfer market, according to AS.

    Olmo’s future at club level is also unclear, with the Spain international’s Leipzig contract due to expire in the summer of 2024, which has led to recent exit speculation.

    United, Barcelona chase Olmo

    Manchester United and Barcelona have also been heavily linked with the versatile attacker, who has scored five goals and registered nine assists in 28 appearances at club level this term.

    Sports Mole reported that Leipzig are not prepared to let Olmo enter the final year of his deal, so the forward will be sold this summer if he decides against signing a new contract.

    The offer on the table would allegedly make the attacker one of the best-paid players at his German club, but he is thought to be keen to seek pastures new ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

    Leipzig are believed to be prepared to let Olmo leave for a fee in the region of €30m (£26.6m), which is a price tag that is likely to attract the attention of a number of top-tier European clubs.

  • Chelsea at the bottom half of table after Villa defeat

    Chelsea at the bottom half of table after Villa defeat

    As a result of John McGinn’s outstanding 30-yard goal, Aston Villa defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, dropping Chelsea into the bottom half of the Premier League standings and increasing the pressure on Graham Potter.

    In front of an irate home crowd, the Villa captain scored 10 minutes after halftime to increase his team’s lead.

    The Blues supporters had high expectations after four games during which they went undefeated in all competitions.

    However, fans voiced their displeasure when Ollie Watkins stunned Potter’s team in the first half by capitalizing on an error by Marc Cucurella.

    During the final siren, boos reverberated across the stadium as some fans yelled for Potter to be substituted as Chelsea’s goal-scoring woes raised their ugly heads once more.

    Yet it could have been so different for the hosts had they tucked away an early gift. 

    Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez rolled the ball short to Boubacar Kamara, who dithered in possession and allowed Mykhailo Mudryk to nick it. 

    The home crowd sensed a first Chelsea goal for the Ukrainian but Martinez managed to divert his shot to safety. 

    After that chance went begging, the Blues were nearly made to pay instantly. 

    Potter’s defence, with Reece James in a central three in place of the injured Wesley Fofana, parted to allow McGinn to release Watkins. 

    But with only Kepa Arrizabalaga to beat, he pulled his shot wide. 

    McGinn went closer on 15 minutes when his curling effort smacked the crossbar. 

    Chelsea, suddenly on the back foot, had received two early warnings. Neither would be heeded. 

    The opening goal was a calamity for Cucurella. 

    Douglas Luiz’s ball forward looked an easy mop-up job for Kalidou Koulibaly but his back-peddling team-mate nodded it into the path of Watkins. 

    This time, the in-form Villa striker made the most of his opportunity and lifted the ball over Arrizabalaga to make it 1-0. 

    Joao Felix showed quick, delicate feet inside the box to make space for a shot that Martinez did well to beat behind at his near post as the hosts rallied. 

    Mudryk’s moment finally appeared to have arrived soon after when he found space. 

    But he shot too early and the weak effort was easily gathered by Martinez. 

    Soon Chelsea’s pressure was relentless. 

    Ben Chilwell came close when he pulled away from McGinn down the left and struck a post, before Felix shot wide following a goalmouth scramble. 

    Martinez was required again, this time diving low to his left to keep out Kai Havertz’s clipped effort towards the bottom corner. 

    Potter’s team were on top but plenty of chances resulted in nothing more than frustration come the break. 

    McGinn’s goal after 55 minutes deepened their woes. 

    His whipped effort was hit crisply as Chelsea failed to clear a corner. 

    The blue shirts that flung themselves in front to try and block the shot did so in vain and the ball dropped beyond Arrizabalaga’s dive.

    From there, Chelsea kept toiling, applying busy, urgent pressure, without any real penetration.

    N’Golo Kante emerged from the bench to play his first minutes under Potter but there was to be no denying Unai Emery’s men.  

    To make matters worse for Potter, the result saw the Villans leapfrog his side as Chelsea slipped to 11th, a point behind Fulham following their defeat at Bournemouth. 

  • FA charges technical staff of Arsenal, Aston Villa

    FA charges technical staff of Arsenal, Aston Villa

    The Football Association has filed charges against members of the coaching staff of Arsenal and Aston Villa for an altercation that occurred during their Premier League matchup last month.

    On February 18, the Gunners pulled off a spectacular 4-2 comeback at Villa Park, which was capped off by a thrilling own goal from their former goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

    The visitors had previously tied the score thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gabriel Martinelli added a fourth goal in stoppage time.

    Victor Manas, the head of performance analysis at Villa, and Miguel Molina, the technical analyst at Arsenal, got into a fight during the celebrations, and the FA has now charged both men.

    “Aston Villa’s head of performance analysis, Victor Manas, and Arsenal’s technical analyst coach, Miguel Molina, have been charged following their Premier League game on Wednesday 18 February,” read a statement.

    “It’s alleged that Miguel Molina’s behaviour and/or language during the 94th minute was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting, and that his behaviour in the tunnel after the final whistle was also improper.”

    Manas and Molina have until Friday to provide a response to the FA.

  • EPL: Arsenal’s win is assured with Partey in game – Alan Shearer

    EPL: Arsenal’s win is assured with Partey in game – Alan Shearer

    Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer says , Thomas Partey is a key player in the Premier League title match between Arsenal and Manchester City.

    After Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa and Manchester City’s draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Shearer made the remark on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

    If Arsenal can get Partey back from injury, Shearer believes they have a good chance to defeat the defending champions this season.

    Partey, one of the top defensive midfielders in the league, has been crucial for Arsenal this season. However, the player who makes £200,000 per week is currently injured and was not present for Arsenal’s victory over Villa.

    Shearer believes that if Arsenal can keep their main players injury-free and get Partey back soon, they will have a good chance of winning the title.

    “I know Partey is out injured at the minute. If Arsenal can get him back and have a little bit of luck between now and the end of the season, keeping their main big hitters free from injury, I think they will do it. Yeah.”

    He has scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances for the Gunners so far this season.

    Arsenal is currently at the top of the Premier League table with 54 points from 23 matches, two points ahead of Manchester City, who have 52 points from 24 games.

  • Emery sets ‘personal challenge’ to win silverware with Villa

    Unai Emery preached patience as he met the media for the first time as Aston Villa coach on Friday, but that did not stop him setting a “personal challenge” to bring silverware to Villa Park.

    Emery started work as Villa boss this week having left former club Villarreal, where he achieved Europa League success in the 2020-21 season.

    But initial ambitions will have to be more modest at Villa, with the side 16th in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

    If results go against his new team on Saturday, Emery could find himself in the relegation zone by the time of his first match in charge.

    For that reason, Emery had a dash of realism to go with his optimistic plans for the future on his return to the Premier League.

    “My dream is to win a trophy with Aston Villa,” said the former Arsenal manager, who was asked if Villa could qualify for Europe this season.

    “It’s my personal challenge at the beginning. And my second dream, my objective could be to play with Aston Villa in Europe.

    “But now we have to start thinking only [about] the next match because we are not in a good position in the table now, and each match is going to give us a lot of information from the players and I want to test, to check individually and collectively the players.

    “The next match is my only focus now, Sunday against Manchester United, and, of course, playing here at home.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Gerrard sacking not a shock to ex-Liverpool team-mate Carragher

    Jamie Carragher believes Aston Villa may have sacked Steven Gerrard because they feared the atmosphere at future games would become “toxic”.

    Villa acted shortly after Thursday’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Fulham, a sixth defeat in 11 games for a Villa side who have won just twice in the top flight this season.

    Carragher and Gerrard were long-standing Liverpool team-mates and remain close, to the point they had been discussing Villa’s upcoming games just days ago.

    However, Carragher was not surprised Villa opted for a change of head coach.

    Speaking on Sky Sports News, Carragher said: “I don’t think it was too much of a shock that the news came out. It was just whether the Aston Villa board would let Stevie take the [next] game because it’s so close around the corner on Sunday against Brentford.

    “But the reaction of the Villa fans, maybe they felt the crowd would be a little bit toxic on Sunday and better for all parties to part ways.”

    Carragher is intrigued to see whether Gerrard jumps back into a coaching role in the coming months, or whether he keeps his distance for a while.

    Gerrard enjoyed considerable trophy success at Rangers but could not replicate that with Villa, departing after just under 12 months at the helm.

    “I’m really not sure whether Stevie would go back in or wait 12 months,” said Carragher. “I spoke to him a few days ago about the upcoming games for Aston Villa, and he’s not daft, he knows the situation.

    “It will be really interesting, that’s not something I’ve spoken to him about, whether he’s the type of guy who wants to be manager for the next 20 years or he’s maybe picked certain jobs that really appeal to him. I think that’s what he’s done in the first few jobs that he’s picked.

    “Whether Stevie would drop down to the Championship, I’m really not sure.”

    Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said the sacking was a reminder of the “volatile” nature of being a Premier League boss, and he expects Gerrard to find another club before long.

    “I’m disappointed for Steve. I think he’s a very good manager,” Howe said at Newcastle’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham.

    “It just goes to show the short-term nature of everyone’s thinking. I’ve got no doubt on his quality and I’m sure he’ll be back very soon.”

    Villa on Friday announced the departure of five of Gerrard’s staff, including former Scotland captain Gary McAllister. He has left the club, along with Neil Critchley, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason

    They have put first-team coach Aaron Danks in temporary charge, meaning he will lead the side for the Brentford game.

    Chief executive Christian Purslow said Villa’s target “of continuous improvement” had not been achieved under Gerrard, adding: “The process of appointing a new head coach is under way and we will update supporters as soon as possible.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Villa sack Gerrard after stuttering start to season

    Steven Gerrard has been sacked by Aston Villa after his side crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

    The ex-Rangers manager, who succeeded Dean Smith at Villa Park little more than 11 months ago, departs with the West Midlanders languishing 17th in the Premier League.

    Despite backing 42-year-old Gerrard in the transfer market, the Villans have only won twice in 11 top-flight games this term.

    And tonight’s loss at Craven Cottage, which followed hot on the heels of a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea last weekend, proved to be the final straw for the club.

    In a short and sweet statement, a Villa spokesman said: “We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future.”

    Having fallen behind to a Harrison Reed goal in the 36th minute, the visitors were left with an uphill task at Fulham when Douglas Luiz was given his marching orders just after the hour mark.

    Things went from bad to worse for Gerrard as Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled the advantage for Marco Silva’s men from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.

    And his misery was compounded seven minutes from time when Tyrone Mings turned the ball into his own net to round off a miserable evening for the Villans.

    The capitulation in the capital leaves Villa outside the relegation zone by virtue of the fact they have scored two more goals than Midlands rivals Wolves, who sit 18th in the table.


    Source: Livescore

  • Arsenal-linked Douglas Luiz signs new long-term Villa contract

    Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club.

    Arsenal were said to have made two bids for the Brazil international during the last transfer window, with reports suggesting the Gunners’ second offer of £23million fell some way short of Villa’s £40m valuation.

    Luiz’s previous contract with Steven Gerrard’s side was set to expire at the end of this season, and the 24-year-old was also linked with Serie A champions Milan.

    However, Luiz has agreed a new deal to remain Villa Park, where he arrived in 2019 following a two-year spell at Manchester City.

    He told the club’s official website: “I love this club. This club opened the door for me when I came to England to play in the Premier League. I’m so happy because I’m staying here and my choice is here.”

    Luiz is set to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, with boss Gerrard under pressure following a poor start to the season.


    Source: Livescore