Aston Villa

Some 103 days ago, Aston Villa fans watched their side stride out at the Besiktas Park and cruise past Freiburg in the Europa League final.

The starting XI had been partially built before Unai Emery's arrival in November 2022, but the Spaniard added the finishing touches to bring glory and a cup back to Villa Park.

Roll the clock forward to the present day, the heart, the spine and Emery's key players have left, which leaves Villa's XI having a stark contrast to the team which won the Europa League.

Since that special night in Turkey, only five - Emiliano Buendia, John McGinn, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Matty Cash - are still at the club, with Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez having now all left.

Although Villa have recouped £341.5m from transfer business, some Villa fans may be concerned at the squad rebuild facing Emery.

So, how do you feel about this summer's departures? Do you think Unai Emery will be able to have a successful 2026-27 season? And what business do Villa still need to do before the transfer deadline at 23:00 BST on Tuesday?

Get in touch with your views here

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Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

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Unai Emery has insisted that there are no "good relations" between Chelsea and Aston Villa after a series of transfers between the clubs.

On Sunday, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa, completing the eighth deal between the clubs in the past four years.

Martinez's move to Stamford Bridge comes after Nicolas Jackson's transfer the other way last week.

No two Premier League clubs have exchanged more players, on permanent or loan deals, in the past four years.

But Villa boss Emery said the relationship between the two clubs is "only through the deals for money".

"Good relations?" he said. "They want to kill us and we want to kill them! We have good players and we can sign one player off them - it is not a good relationship, it is a deal for money and a deal for players.

"I'm happy for Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers. I know I'm not happy for Chelsea."

A series of deals between the clubs began after Chelsea's owners BlueCo took control of the club in 2022 and signed Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for £20m that summer.

Ian Maatsen (£37.5m, to Villa), Omari Kellyman (£19m, to Chelsea) and Axel Disasi (a £5m loan deal, to Villa) subsequently moved between the clubs.

This summer alone has brought four more deals. Morgan Rogers completed a £117m move to Chelsea, while Alejandro Garnacho joined Aston Villa on loan with a conditional obligation to buy in a deal worth around £43m.

Jackson then moved to Aston Villa for £65m, before Martinez followed.

Since 2022, Chelsea have paid Aston Villa £163.5m for players - and Aston Villa have spent £102.5m on Chelsea players, including Axel Disasi's loan fee.

That figure could rise to £150.5m should certain criteria be met to make Garnacho's loan move permanent.

The recent volume of business between the clubs has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the Premier League, at a time when both have had to navigate domestic and European financial regulations.

One source told BBC Sport that a number of club executives have raised questions about the frequency of the dealings. There is no suggestion, though, that either club have broken any rules.

Read the full article here

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport journalist

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On the surface, Nicolas Jackson's numbers at Bayern Munich last season compare favourably with those of Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa.

The Senegal forward scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 1,320 minutes, averaging 1.0 goal involvements per 90 minutes. Watkins recorded 21 goals and five assists in 3,837 minutes, an average of 0.6 per 90.

Jackson also generated more attacking opportunities. He averaged 3.8 shots per 90 compared with Watkins' 2.6, and 2.2 shots on target to 1.2.

His expected-goals (xG) figure was also higher, at 0.7 per 90 compared with 0.5, while he averaged 8.5 touches in the opposition box to Watkins' 5.6.

That fits a pattern which predates his spell in Germany. Among players with at least 5,000 Premier League minutes since January 2020, only Erling Haaland has registered a higher non-penalty xG figure per 90 than Jackson's 0.55.

Getting into scoring positions has rarely been Jackson's main problem - it is his ability to finish chances which has attracted scrutiny.

During his two Premier League seasons with Chelsea, he scored 14 goals from 18.7 xG in 2023-24 and 10 from 12.3 xG the following campaign.

Jackson has converted 18 of 61 big chances in England so far, although Watkins has also missed plenty of high-value opportunities (scoring 24 of 73 since joining Villa in 2020).

Interestingly, last season's numbers suggest the gap between them was negligible. Jackson converted 19.6% of his shots and 40.9% of his big chances, compared with 18.9% and 43.2% respectively for Watkins.

There is, however, an important caveat.

Watkins started 43 matches and played almost three times as many minutes. Jackson started only 15 of his 34 appearances, and Opta says his relatively limited, substitute-heavy sample could make some of his per-90 figures look stronger than they might over a full season.

Read more on what Jackson will bring to Villa

There's only one winner with this.

Aston Villa had a slow start last season, they have lost big players and I just think Arsenal are going to run all over teams this season.

Physically, they will be too strong and they played some good stuff against Coventry. I think they are going to get better and better, which is ominous for everybody else.

I wouldn't totally rule Unai Emery and Villa out of it because you just don't know. They're very principled in the way they play, probably the most principled team in the Premier League in the way that they build from the back.

But I think Arsenal will swarm all over them.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea are all interested in signing 20-year-old Cameroon striker Christian Kofane from Bayer Leverkusen. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Ollie Watkins says "Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa" in a farewell video posted on social media.

The 30-year-old striker, who is Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, has completed a £51m move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

The England international made himself unavailable for Villa's Premier League opener against Brighton last weekend, which Emery said Watkins apologised for.

"Firstly, I would like to say, never did I intend, nor did I imagine, my time at Aston Villa would end this way," Watkins posted.

"With that being said, I am eternally grateful for the last six years. Not only has it shaped me as a player, but as a person.

"We've been through so many ups and downs in my six seasons here, but one thing that has never changed is that I have given everything for this club.

"From my first goals in the 7-2 win over Liverpool to getting the club back into Europe, the Champions League nights at Villa Park to that unforgettable night in Istanbul and becoming Villa's record Premier League goalscorer.

"It is an achievement that I never thought would be possible when I signed for the club.

"I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my time here, Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and especially Unai Emery for always believing in me.

"My two children were born here, and to see them walk on to the pitch and see you fans sing my name in front of them and my family is something that will always stay with me forever.

"Birmingham will always be home, and so will Villa."

Matthew Hobbs

Aston Villa aim to bounce back from an opening defeat to Brighton against an Arsenal side attempting to open with an away win for a fifth successive season.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of their meeting at Villa Park on Monday (20:00 BST).

Aston Villa and Arsenal experienced vastly different fortunes in their respective opening fixtures, with Unai Emery attempting to lead his side's recovery from a 4-0 thrashing at Brighton against his former employers.

Emery's Arsenal tenure lasted just 18 months before he was sacked following a winless run of seven matches. His career has since gone from strength to strength, winning the Europa League with both Villarreal and then Villa last season for the fifth time in his career, while he also guided the Midlands club to fourth place and a return to Champions League football in 2025-26.

However, Villa's poor start to the campaign on the south coast last weekend was indicative of a club in a state of flux following the departure of four key players, including Ezri Konsa to the Gunners. Striker Ollie Watkins is also set to leave, with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson expected to replace him.

Villa have already made eight new signings with a focus on younger talent, although such significant recruitment is likely to take time to settle, as evidenced by conceding four goals last weekend in the opening half an hour.

They also failed to have a shot on target in a Premier League game for the first time under Emery, while setting record-low tallies of possession (27%) and recovering possession (17) during the 54-year-old's tenure.

Villa have not lost their opening two league games since 2019. The last time they did so without scoring was 24 years ago.

They next face the reigning champions, who got off to a fast start of their own against newly promoted Coventry City last Friday night, going 2-0 up in 23 minutes before adding a third in the second half.

It was Arsenal's 150th victory in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, who, on Monday night, will become just the 10th manager to take charge of 250 Premier League fixtures.

Of the previous nine, only Pep Guardiola (70.8%), Alex Ferguson (65.2%) and Jürgen Klopp (62.6%) have a higher win rate than Arteta's 60%.

Arsenal have won their first away game in each of the last four Premier League seasons, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.

They have never won their opening away match in five successive league campaigns before, although Villa Park has proved to be a tough nut to crack in recent times.

Arsenal have lost on three of their past seven visits – the same number of defeats as in their previous 24 away matches against Villa.

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Emiliano Martinez says he leaves Aston Villa "with a heart full of memories, gratitude and pride" after seven years at the club.

The 33-year-old, who won the World Cup in 2022, has completed a move to Chelsea for £7.5m.

"Seven years ago, I arrived at Aston Villa with a dream. Today I say goodbye with a heart full of memories, gratitude and pride," Martinez posted on social media.

"This club became so much more than just a place where I played football. It became my home.

"From my first day to the unforgettable nights, the victories, the difficult moments and everything in between, I gave everything I had for this badge.

"But what I will carry with me goes far beyond football. The friendships I made during these seven years, the people I met and the moments we shared together will stay with me forever. Some of those people became more than teammates and colleagues they became my family.

"To my teammates, coaches, staff and, most importantly, the Villa fans. Thank you for believing in me…supporting me and making these seven years so special.

"I leave with incredible memories, lifelong friendships and a love for this club that will never leave me.

"Thank you, Aston Villa. Thank you, Villans. Once a Villan, always a Villan."

In a club statement, Villa said: "With his stellar performances and infectious competitive nature, Emi will always be remembered for his part in our recent journey and success and leaves Aston Villa with the very best wishes of everyone at the football club."

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Manager Unai Emery said Ollie Watkins apologised for refusing to play for Aston Villa on Sunday as he paid an emotional tribute to the departing striker.

The 30-year-old is expected in Saudi Arabia on Friday to complete a £51m move to Al-Hilal, with Villa poised to finalise the signing of Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson for £65m as his replacement.

Emery praised the England forward's behaviour during his Villa career and said he and the squad had accepted Watkins' apology for making himself unavailable against Brighton.

Watkins is Villa's record Premier League scorer with 91 goals, part an overall tally of 108 in all competitions since signing from Brentford for £28m in 2020.

"He told us after the Brighton match he was sorry and that he had made a mistake. He was wrong, but we accepted it. The players as well," said Emery.

"His commitment and his behaviour was fantastic. He's a fantastic guy - a fantastic guy even more than a player. I told him 'bye' with a huge hug and with small tears.

"But now it's a new chapter here with Nicolas Jackson."

Villa have agreed a deal for Jackson and are trying to ensure the Senegal striker is registered for Monday's visit of Arsenal.

Watkins is the latest experienced player to leave Villa this summer and Emery urged supporters to back the club's strategy despite the loss of several key figures in their successful 2025-26 season.

The Spanish coach said sums like £50m for players at or around the age of 30 was "crazy".

"We took decisions because it's good for the club," Emery said.

"Of course, we don't want to be a club that sells players, but the responsibility is there.

"How we developed in the last year with some players and how we can sell some players now is completely the right decision.

"We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible. [Fans] have to accept our way and why we are taking some decisions."

Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Villa Park (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Leon Goretzka joined Villa as a free agent on Thursday after leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, and Emery hopes the midfielder will be available for selection on Monday.

• On what Goretzka brings to the squad, Emery said: "Experience. High-level experience. He is a winner. He is a very competitive player, he's still young at 31-years-old and he's a good player to add into our squad. He is a versatile player, he can play in different positions and he arrives fit and he is training well."

• Villa are close to breaking Monaco's record for the most transfer income generated in a single window (set in 2018-19), and he said although he would prefer to keep some of those players, he "accepts" the way the club is ran and was prepared for it when he joined.

• On managing a side being broken up by sales, he said: "Maybe we are not performing like we were performing but the objective is to get in progression, the same way we did and in the same performances we had. We will need time, last year we showed it. On Monday we will see it but the players need time."

• He added: "Monday is the next challenge and the Premier League is not waiting. There are 38 matches to play, points to play and we have lost the first match. On Monday hopefully Villa Park is being like we always felt there. Supporting, playing with us and we will need them again."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Constantin Eckner
German football writer

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For years, Leon Goretzka was a cornerstone of Bayern Munich's midfield. But in recent years, the record German champions were not hiding their intentions to sell him for the right price.

He rejected a loan move to Galatasaray in 2024 while his sizeable wages at the Allianz Arena ruled out a number of potential destinations, as he was reluctant to accept a reduction in salary, and a move never came to fruition.

Instead his contract ran out in July, making him a free agent for the summer transfer window.

There was a time when Goretzka was considered Germany's best box-to-box midfielder.

His long build made him a force inside both penalty areas, while his ball-handling and tactical understanding helped him between the boxes. But his athleticism slowly faded over the years and younger players took his place.

Last season, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany primarily used Goretzka as a substitute, as did Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann during the World Cup this year.

Goretzka made three appearances for his national team, with 96 minutes in total playing time.

It is uncertain whether new Germany manager Jurgen Klopp will select Goretzka for international duty again.

A move to Aston Villa could certainly help the 31-year-old to revitalise his career, as he seemed stuck at Bayern where he spent a total of eight seasons.

Read more here

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Former Aston Villa winger Steve Froggatt, speaking to BBC Radio WM about Ollie Watkins' desire to leave the club: "The supporters are the most important people at the football club. Ollie is the greatest goalscorer at the club and he should walk away in to the sunset with the thanks of everyone at Villa Park. He has tarnished that.

"The Saudi Arabia thing, I'm not having it. You're only going for the money and that changes my opinion on players. I can't get my head around it. If he was going to an Inter Milan, Bayern Munich or Barcelona, I get that from a footballing perspective.

"Behind the scenes, we don't know what has gone on with Ollie and the football club. I know that from my own experience. When the club want to get rid of you on their own terms, they will do anything they can to make you uncomfortable to get you out."

Listen to the full discussion below or on BBC Sounds here

Aston Villa have made direct contact with AC Milan and Portugal winger Rafael Leao, 27, as they try to beat Galatasaray in the race to sign him. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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