Good business or making rivals stronger? Fan views on Martinezpublished at 17:26 BST
17:26 BST
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts on the news that Chelsea are considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Here are some of your comments:
Arthur: Good to get him off the payroll and bank some cash. Not good if his performances elevate Chelsea above Villa in league and cups.
Prit: Surely someone at Aston Villa must realise that by selling the family silver to our rivals, we are making them stronger and us weaker. I don't want Emi Martinez to go, he is a world class goalkeeper and he is Aston Villa's best goalkeeper since the late, great Jimmy Rimmer. Suzuki may turn out to be a legend at Villa, but at this stage, we simply do not know. We need to mitigate any risk and keep Martinez, at least until January.
Matt: We expected Emi to go last summer and he didn't. He clearly wants out with all the other stars. Getting his wages off the books would be good business, but Suzuki is undoubtedly a downgrade in terms of quality. I think "downgrade" might be the theme of our season.
Mark: I'm loath to see Martinez move to another Premier League club - but equally the club can't keep two high-earning keepers on the wage bill for long, and Martinez has been quite clear he wants to move on. Reluctantly, sell...
Elliot: Think a realistic fee would be circa £10m and as sorry as I'll be to see him go, not having his wages will be a bonus. There is part of me thinking regardless of age he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world so should be worth a small fortune as he's still got a good few years in him yet.
Chelsea consider move for Villa's Martinezpublished at 15:05 BST
15:05 BST
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea are considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after making contact with the Argentina international's representatives.
With Zion Suzuki joining last week, do you expect Martinez to leave before the end of the transfer window? And what would represent good value if Villa were to sell Martinez?
When is the EFL Cup third-round draw?published at 07:00 BST
07:00 BST
Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The third-round draw for the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday, 26 August following the conclusion of Preston North End vs Everton.
Nine Premier League clubs taking part in European football join the 23 first-round winners from across the English Football League.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace will enter the competition at this stage, as the top eight Premier League clubs from the 2025-26 season plus Crystal Palace as Conference League winners.
It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the third round tie between Preston North End and Everton, kicking off at 20:00 BST.
Unlike the opening two rounds of the competition, the third round draw is not regionalised.
However, before the match at Deepdale there will be a pre-draw determining which of the Champions League and Europa League clubs will play at home or away in round three.
In order to avoid potential scheduling issues, the eight Champions League and Europa League clubs cannot be drawn against each other in round three.
When the draw takes place, the first eight fixtures decided are the ones involving clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. The remainder of the draw will be an open draw as usual.
Due to clashes with opening weeks of the Champions League and Europa League seasons, the third round will be played across two different weeks. They are the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September, 2026.
What do Villa still need in the transfer window?published at 17:07 BST 25 August
17:07 BST 25 August
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
What don't Aston Villa need after a raft of star departures this summer?
Ollie Watkins' transfer saga, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal trying to sign the striker, leaves Villa looking for a likely replacement. Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson is a target.
A winger is also on the agenda, while they need a defender after Ezri Konsa's move to Arsenal, and have opened talks for Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez after bids for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis were rejected.
Amy Finley, Aston Villa fan
It is clear Villa desperately require a striker more than anything right now.
Although I massively rate Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres, the display against Brighton has worried me slightly. Therefore, I would welcome another centre-back as well.
It looks like we will be OK in midfield once Johan Manzambi is fit and with the addition of Leon Goretzka.
What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?
Who has thrown who 'under the bus'?published at 14:46 BST 25 August
14:46 BST 25 August
Media caption,
Another transfer window, means more transfer drama.
This time it is Ollie Watkins' name which is in the spotlight.
On BBC Sounds' Monday Night Club, former Premier League midfielder Andros Townsend said he could "understand" why Watkins may want to pursue a move to Saudi Arabia.
Townsend said: "He's pushing on in age. He potentially has a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. Reading between the lines, you can understand from the player's point of view why he might actually want to pursue this offer."
Since Watkins' £28m record arrival at Villa Park in 2020, the English forward has proved to be an integral piece of business in Villa improving their fortunes on the pitch.
However, the 30-year-old's exclusion from the matchday squad against Brighton has led to fans thinking Watkins' Villa career may be coming to an end.
Former Villa striker, Chris Sutton said: "It seems to me that a lot of Villa fans will feel that Ollie Watkins has thrown his manager under the bus.
"They needed him in that moment. He's under contract and if he's fit he should play. He chose not to play."
For club and country last season, Watkins featured in 61 games and scored 23 goals in all competitions.
However, his days in the top-flight may now be numbered as Al-Hilal target the former Brentford man.
"Will he get that opportunity again? I think he feels that if I let this offer go... It may not come again," said Townsend.
Watkins would earn 'minimum' £20m a year tax-free - expertpublished at 14:46 BST 25 August
14:46 BST 25 August
Media caption,
As Ollie Watkins continues to be linked to Saudi Pro League side, Al-Hilal, many Aston Villa fans will wonder why this could turn their centre forward's head.
Saudi football expert Mohamed Qutob told Radio WM that the Saudi side are in the market to replace five-time Champions League winner, Karim Benzema.
"They're a little disappointed with their main man. They want a replacement and Ollie Watkins is top of the list," said Qutob.
"What we also know is the Saudis have plenty of money. If they really, really need Ollie, they might be able to match the valuation after all."
One English forward who was tempted to join the Saudi Pro League was Ivan Toney, who has gone on to win back-to-back Asian Champions League titles with Al-Ahli, whilst also still being called up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
Qutob added: "Al Hilal is desperately in need for a number nine. They have been chasing so many names over the last couple for seasons."
The financial lure of joining Al-Hilal would lead to Watkins being offered "a minimum of £20m a year" with the wage being classed as tax-free.
"He would be training under Simone Inzaghi, a world-class manager, playing alongside some top players," said Qutob. "It is a strong squad and a player of his ability and instincts in front of goal can add so much to the squad."
What's going on with Watkins?published at 18:45 BST 24 August
18:45 BST 24 August
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Aston Villa have been here before.
Last year, it was Emi Martinez looking to leave for Manchester United. When asked about the Argentina goalkeeper's absence from last season's opening league match against Crystal Palace, head coach Unai Emery just repeated replacement Marco Bizot's name several times.
Twelve months on, for their Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday, Ollie Watkins was the name to make Emery bristle.
"This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence," he said, when asked why the striker was not included.
Al-Hilal, who have offered close to £40m, are not near to Aston Villa's asking price. As next Tuesday's transfer deadline nears, Villa will play hardball for their all-time record Premier League goalscorer.
A deal is still believed to be some way off, even if Emery revealed last week the striker could leave.
Al-Hilal, who signed Crysensio Summerville from West Ham in July, are likely to need to move one of their overseas players to make room for Watkins, despite loaning Darwin Nunez to Diriyah last week, so there are other moving parts in the deal.
Watkins has been training on his own, having returned from an extended break following the World Cup and is understood to have made his feelings clear to the Villa hierarchy about moving.
There have been no public comments from Watkins or his representatives but he is understood to be open to the move.
Another unanswered question is whether Villa see the Saudi money for a striker turning 31 in December - and who had been in and out of Emery's team last season - as a good deal.
The season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.
Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.
Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.
Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.
The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.
Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.
Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.
Are Villa 'falling apart?'published at 15:15 BST 24 August
15:15 BST 24 August
Image source, Getty Images
BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering some of your questions following the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Ian from Worcester asked: I fear for Villa. In the season when they could have a real go in the Champions League, they have sold all their best players. Ezri Konsa, brilliant for them and England, was the final straw. The club is falling apart. Unai Emery to leave next, disgruntled and disillusioned?
Phil replied: Hello, Ian. Not sure Aston Villa are falling apart. There is no doubt they have lost big players in Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa, while Unai Emery is clearly very unhappy with how Ollie Watkins has acted amid talk of a move to Saudi Arabia.
Villa, however, have always tried to back Emery where they can and he has huge power at the club, which his results justify. He also had a poor start last season, remember. He will expect big support between now and the end of the transfer window, and I expect him to get it as Villa know he is the brilliant strategist behind their successes.
Sam: I was concerned before the season started. Gaps across the pitch, especially in wide areas, but wow! The intensity in the press led to two great goals. Great performance and work done in the first half - then after, all about game management. Brilliant start to the season and a great atmosphere at the Amex. Roll on Thursday and Chelsea away.
Gordon: Villa have been our nemesis for a while so it's good to beat them.
David: A brilliant, aggressive, front-footed first half where the half-time score in no way flattered them. Every player seemed to want to go forward, which has never been the Brighton way. But what a difference in the second half, especially after the substitutions. Back to sideways and backwards passing - the fast, forward passing of the first half was forgotten. So let's be grateful for four goals, a clean sheet and top of the table.
Barry: What a fantastic performance from Brighton! A brilliant 4–0 victory over Aston Villa, with every player contributing. The team looked sharp, confident and dangerous throughout, and Danny Welbeck's absence was barely felt. A superb all-round display and a thoroughly deserved win.
Villa fans
Ian: Villa were really poor and embarrassing! They deserved everything they got from Brighton. Villa players giving the ball away in dangerous areas and no idea of any movement off the ball. Obviously there is a lot of uncertainty with things happening in the transfer window, but things need tightening up. I trust Unai Emery to sort it, especially when injured players are available again.
Dan: Such a worry to start the season like this. The team selected looked so short of quality - then then combine that with the very poor performance, gifting Brighton a number of goals, and it does not look good. Hope we have some signings coming, a few players to regain fitness and Emery can get them being consistent! Doesn't help to have the circus around Ollie Watkins!
Andy: One result should not define a season and clearly there's a rebuilding job to do at Villa. Let's not panic as there have been huge changes in players and the new players will take time to gel. Joao Gomes is quality and will only learn from Sunday, plus will be amazing for us! Keep the faith…
Rod: No striker, no midfield, no first-choice keeper. With the core missing, we did well to lose 4-0. Keep the faith - but I have a gut feeling Unai will depart soon.
Does Watkins want out?published at 11:24 BST 24 August
11:24 BST 24 August
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Media caption,
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says forward Ollie Watkins' absence in the 4-0 thrashing at Brighton is a "question for him".
The 30-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for Villa's Premier League opener after Emery confirmed earlier in the week there had been offers from Saudi club Al-Hilal for the striker.
Asked if it was his decision to leave Watkins out, Emery told Match of the Day: "This question is for him. You can call him and try to get his answer.
"The players here wanted to play and we had two strikers with a small injury. The question on Watkins is for him."
Watkins could become the latest of Villa's European heroes to exit this summer.
Villa ended a 30-year wait for a trophy by lifting the Europa League in May against Freiburg.
But the club could have sold six of the starting XI by the end of the transfer window.
"We are building the team. Last year and two years ago we were building the team in August," said Emery after the defeat at Brighton.
Villa 'completely capitulated' at Brighton - Murphypublished at 11:24 BST 24 August
11:24 BST 24 August
Media caption,
Match of the Day's Danny Murphy says Aston Villa "completely capitulated" after conceding the first goal to Brighton on Sunday.
The former Premier League midfielder credited the Seagulls for their dominating display, but said Unai Emery's side were too negative and invited the pressure on themselves.
"There was so much to like about Brighton, but Villa didn't half give them a helping hand," Murphy said. "It was woeful after the first goal.
"They completely capitulated.
"It's a day they're going to have to forget quickly and put to bed."
Why are Aston Villa a selling club?published at 10:14 BST 24 August
10:14 BST 24 August
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Like many, Aston Villa are a selling club, mainly down to necessity, and have been for a number of years.
They must comply with Uefa's squad cost ratio (SCR) which restricts them to spending 70% of their football related revenue on player and staff wages, transfer fees and agent fees.
They have already been fined twice by Uefa for breaches, being hit with a £9.5m sanction last year and a £19.4m fine in June, although £12.9m was suspended after Villa came to a settlement agreement with Europe's governing body. But it has meant the club's hands are tied in the transfer window.
The Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) also limited financial losses to a maximum of £105m over a rolling three-year period.
In their latest accounts, ending 30 June 2025, Villa had a post-tax profit of £17m but their two previous years showed losses of £119.6m (2023) and £85.4m (2024).
The regulations have now been replaced by SCR, meaning the Premier League falls in line with Uefa's model.
"It's necessity because of the rules," one former Villa executive told BBC Sport, when asked about the sales. "The PSR, the SCR, issues are well documented.
"It does seem slightly unfair they're having their ambition capped at this level. But it has forced this very big churn of players, which is unfortunate.
"Some will be forced due to PSR, some will be player demand. Combined it makes a big problem for Emery and certainly it is a lot to swallow in one go and to try and replace."
This summer has crystalised their situation because of the high-profile nature of the departures.
Villa had raised just over £200m with the sales of Jhon Duran (£71m), Douglas Luiz (£42.5m), Jacob Ramsey (£40m) and Moussa Diaby (£50m) over the past two years.
With the Ezri Konsa deal done, they have banked around £212m during this window, including £9m for Lewis Dobbin who never played a senior game for Villa before leaving for Southampton.
The academy has also paid its way comfortably with Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer being bought back to be sold again, while Burnley spent £12m on Aaron Ramsey in 2023.
Internally, when Villa first returned to the Champions League in 2024, it was recognised it would be harder for academy prospects to break into the squad which left Villa more open to selling them.
Image source, Getty Images
