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14 May 2021 23:46:43
Twitter is abuzz tonight with a link to the Uruguayan international attacking midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta. Plays for Flamengo in Brazil, and looks absolutely top class. Very exciting link if there's any substance to it, and would cost significantly less than Buendia, for example. The boy's numbers in a tough league are very good, and he has 26 caps for Uruguay.
1.) 15 May 2021 22:51:40
I think his agent is up to his previous tricks, he was linked with Wolves in 2018, Newcastle 2019, never came close to happening. 27 in two weeks, doesn’t fit our recent profile.
I’d be happy with it nevertheless but can’t see it personally.
27 Sep 2020 08:54:42
Several reports this morning that we've made a bid for FCK centre-back Victor Nelsson. He looked their best player vs Man Utd last season, and we need a replacement for Engels.
1.) 27 Sep 2020 12:01:49
Hope there’s some truth in this one as we really need more and better cover for Mings and Konsa.
He’s 21 and already club captain, who knows maybe the next Martin Laursen?
2.) 27 Sep 2020 12:20:38
If it’s correct abut Nelsson, then perhaps Engles injury is worse than thought .
Onwards&Upwards Villaforever.
{Ed002's Note - Victor Nelsson (CB) Copenhagen value the youngster at €10M putting off interest from Gent, Celtic and Gronigen. One assumes at the behest of Johan Lange, Aston Villa have made their interest known, as have Union Berlin.}
3.) 27 Sep 2020 12:32:20
This story feels like it has some credibility. Some quality centre back cover makes sense, as I fancy Smith might make a few out going adjustments in January.
4.) 27 Sep 2020 12:37:57
We definitely need a cb hause just isn't good enough at prem level imo if mings or konsa get injured it's grim.
5.) 27 Sep 2020 12:37:18
Thanks for that info Ed.
6.) 27 Sep 2020 13:03:35
I read somewhere that Nelsson dealt comfortably with Edouard in a Champions league game.
His strengths apparently are his reading of the game, leadership, comfort on the ball, passing, aerial ability, and work rate. Sounds pretty damn good all round.
7.) 27 Sep 2020 13:12:50
Markdavfrance, he's the 5th choice captain after Zeca, Bjelland, Fischer and Falk at FC Copenhagen. But would be a good signing nonetheless.
8.) 27 Sep 2020 13:25:38
Hold my hands up to that one RHLT, misread Wiki info.
He is only 21 however and is by all accounts already showing good leadership skills.
9.) 27 Sep 2020 15:38:20
Now now Mark, get your web info correct. 😊😊.
10.) 27 Sep 2020 16:09:50
That’s what happens mate after too many ðŸ·ðŸ˜‚.
11.) 27 Sep 2020 20:40:33
Sportslens reporting Villa have made a £9 offer for Nelsson.
I don’t know how true that is.
16 Sep 2020 21:51:06
Latest rumour gathering pace. Ross Barkley. Ideal signing imo if the fee and wages weren't ridiculous. Give us a bit of size in midfield, and he's got a lot of ability if he could find some consistency. Odds have really shortened and the bookies usually have an inkling.
1.) 16 Sep 2020 22:36:02
If you are using the bookies as a guide Ant, Josh King is near enough even money to sign for Villa.
2.) 17 Sep 2020 07:56:47
Never use the bookies as a indication mate, when the summer JT signed for us, a bluenose put a grand on him to go Blues, on the basis he had been spotted in Brum and people were discussing whether it was blues or Villa he would sign for. His odds went from around 8/ 1 to evens, then they stopped taking bets, because more noses jumped on the bandwagon and lumped on before it got lower😂
Them markets are all decided by an algorithm that for the most part takes into consideration the amount of money that’s been put on, for example, if you now put a hundred on Barkley to come to us, his odds would drop from 3/ 1 to something like 5/ 2.
3.) 17 Sep 2020 09:55:56
I like Ross Barkley as a player and if Jack went he was one of the players I would have looked to replace him with however as Jack is staying, given the formation we play and the fact we are looking like signing two wide players Traore and Rashica I am not sure where he would fit in. It would be great to have him as part of the squad but I feel fairly certain he wouldn’t want to exchange the bench at Chelsea for the bench at Villa.
4.) 18 Sep 2020 13:38:08
If we don't sign Raschica then Barkley would be a fantastic signing (not that he wouldn't be anyway) if you had a midfield 3 of Luiz, McGinn and Barkley, with Jack playing in front in a free role, then you'd have Watkins and Traore hopefully causing chaos as part of a constantly inter-changing duo. Both can play either centrally or wide and would give a lot of variation to our forward play . Just a thought but quite an exciting one ðŸ‘.
11 Sep 2020 15:29:41
Advanced talks with Milot Rashica. Looking increasingly likely, apparently. The fee looks modest - according to reports its €18m but I'm sure by the time we're done negotiating that'll be £25m 🤣 Some guy called Fabrizio Romano has tweeted about it and Villa-Twitter has gone into meltdown.
For me, this is a brilliant signing. and a genuine marquee player. Good age, great pace and a cannon of a shot on him. Coming off a brilliant season like Matty and Ollie. High hopes indeed.
Also. depending what Norwich actually want for Buendia. looks like we could pretty much get the pair for the price of Benrahma👌ðŸ¼.
1.) 11 Sep 2020 16:09:06
I would be happy to see him come to Villa Ant.
Daz has got a fair point about his attitude, but I think once he gets a taste of the club and realises how ambitious our owners are, he will warm to us. However if he really is set on a top 6 team, he will be in the shop window, and so either way, I think we’ll get 100% out of him performance wise. In the meantime his value will surely increase.
Can’t help but get excited about the prospect of Watkins and Rashica spearheading our attack, it’s so good to see we are targeting genuine quality in this window.
2.) 11 Sep 2020 17:20:29
I would also be happy to see him at Villa park guys.
He is the type of player that can win you a game in seconds, with is pace and trickery.
I am sure if we gave him the time and support, he is more than capable of paying us back.
3.) 11 Sep 2020 17:38:48
Dont get me wrong I'd love to see him down B6 and he is a very good player but I think he is only in it for short term not long term but that is just my opinion guys.
4.) 11 Sep 2020 18:17:45
Still trying for Edouard aswell, which is encouraging and ambitious. Would be worth the wait even if we sealed it late in the window.
Martinez, Cash, New Centre Mid, Watkins, Rashica and Edouard - that would be some window!
5.) 11 Sep 2020 18:32:56
Thought it's about time I signed up on here been having a butchers every now and again. My thoughts on rashica. Looks a class act would definitely improve us. Is his heart in it? Maybe not but I think he would give his all to put himself in shop window for next season and if that means we stay up and sell him at a profit I'm all for it. Would like benrahma just for the fact he knows how watkins plays and vice Versa but any of rashica or benrahma or buendea I'd be happy with.
6.) 11 Sep 2020 19:27:53
A little bit similar to King’s hopes with Utd, Rashica seemed hung up on RB Leipzig. Perhaps, the last few weeks of no news on that front has brought the realisation he has needed to look elsewhere.
I can see some similarities to Buendia, but the Kosovo kid is more potent with his shooting and fancies having a pop more often. He also offers a genuine set piece option, which could otherwise be lacking with Hourihane on the bench.
7.) 11 Sep 2020 21:31:32
Welcome Mike, good to have you aboard mate.
8.) 11 Sep 2020 21:41:28
Remember a while back I said a home was being prepared for a player incoming and my mate said it was Raschica? He’s told me today it is for Raschica, know you might think I’m blowing smoke up your asses but that’s the only thing I’d heard about a player all summer from him, I really haven’t heard any other rumours, not even about the signings we’ve already made
UTV.
9.) 11 Sep 2020 22:17:27
Sorry Ally I gave up smoking a long time ago now, but nevertheless it sounds like good news.
10.) 11 Sep 2020 23:18:26
This the same fella who said was preparing Henry’s house two years ago? 🤨.
11.) 12 Sep 2020 09:56:07
To draw a line under your Henry comment (again) Chris, it is the same mate, it wasn’t Henry it was Martinez he said we were talking to, as the member of the coaching staff told him that he was at VP and saw that a conference call was going on with our higher ups and Martinez, wasn’t even a mention of doing a house up for him or Henry 🤷ðŸ¼â€â™‚ï¸ and while we’re still being I’ll use the word ‘petty’ about stuff, James Bree that you called a midget, is still taller than James Chester 😘
UTV.
12.) 12 Sep 2020 11:53:18
Without getting nasty or personal as it’s a lovely Saturday and footballs back, it was Henry, stop trying to look ITK mate, either your mate is a liar or you are, nothing you’ve ever said comes off. You add good points on here most the time, you don’t need to try and portray something your not.
Plus Chester is a midget aswell😂.
13.) 12 Sep 2020 14:09:33
I enjoy the sparring Chris 🥊😉 swear on my nippers life that I have a mate who does work for many at VP, I’ve even had 1st hand dealings with them myself, I know a lot of stuff that I can’t put on here but if he tells me something transfer related, I post it, rumours page innit? I hear stuff about other club’s players too but a lot of stuff I can’t say as it would affect my mate financially. I 100% didn’t say what you claim about Henry, I thought it was Martinez they wanted, penny didn’t drop that they might have been talking to Martinez ABOUTHenry, only other rumour I can remember posting that my mate told me was that Cahill was at BH before last season but the deal didn’t come off, rest of the stuff I post is my opinions, get Balotelli in! 😂
UTV.
14.) 12 Sep 2020 17:50:31
I’ve read the first 2/ 3 lines mate and fair play I believe you, let’s leave it there!
I’m in the boozer and 3 or 4 Leeds ran round the pub when they scored the offside goal, funny as feck!
10 Sep 2020 10:12:01
Reports today that Arsenal have rejected our second bid for Martinez (£15m+), and even seen an Arsenal ITK on twitter saying our third bid will be £17.5m + £4.5.
All signs suggest he is THE GK target. all other links have gone very dead and suggestions are we're going all out to get our man. I like the look of him, he had a really great end to last season. but is he really a £22m GK? Might there be more value to be found looking elsewhere?
Fulham have done well to get Areola in on loan with an option, I just think as the price has escalated, maybe there's more value in re-looking at Romero, if he'd take a pay cut for first team football. Or is there someone Lange knows of? Joronen or Olsen maybe?
1.) 10 Sep 2020 14:48:49
A little surprised by the rumours about a keeper.
Heatons return date is after first 3/ 4 games, so why spend 15/ 20 million on a stop gap.
Surly we need another CM, with 2 wide men before we spend this much?
2.) 10 Sep 2020 16:50:35
I think the worry DS must have is will Heaton be adversely affected by the injury he has had especially at his age.
If Heaton breaks down during the season I don’t think Steer will be good enough in the Premiership and I would much prefer an experienced gk like Martinez.
3.) 10 Sep 2020 19:44:02
Your spot on aka I think smith knows more about heatons injury than we do, I think heatons no 1 days are coming to an end, can’t fault him he was great for us but no point spending more money on a mediocre GK when we have 3 of them already, last season hurt us to much when we lost heaton, as the saying go’s “hope for the best but plan for the worst†I think it’s the smart move, no point spending all that money on outfield players and ending up with nyland in goal till xmas then get our pants pulled down in January for a replacement.
4.) 10 Sep 2020 19:48:16
I think Smith wants a keeper with PL experience to vie for the senior spot with Heaton. His faith in the other options already within the squad seems flimsy at best. I am sure Smith would consider Joronen or Olsen feel too much like gambles. I know he has improved since, but memories of Gollini from the Italian league still flicker!
I am sure the aim is to try and move Kalinic on now and Nyland either in January or upon expiry of his contact next June. Rightly or wrongly, Steer seems destined for the third keeper spot, but at least he has nearly three years to run on his deal.
5.) 10 Sep 2020 19:52:51
Fully agree Aka. It’s a priority position for the first half-dozen games, but Heaton’s injury record isn’t good anyway, so there’s going to be doubts whether he can be relied on to complete the season even if he fully recovers.
I just think £22m is a bit much, if that’s what it works out at. when there are other options to explore. Romero on a three year deal if he’d take a pay cut could probably get for £8m. There’s been no further links to Olsen so I guess that’s not an option. Gazzaniga no better than Steer IMO and he’s been linked again.
6.) 10 Sep 2020 20:33:42
From Bham Mail.
Arsenal have decided to sell Emi Martinez, according to reports in the national press.
Villa are said to be his preferred choice of next club, with personal terms already agreed with Dean Smith's side.
Ant_Villa_79's banter posts with other poster's replies to Ant_Villa_79's banter posts
06 May 2021 10:03:58
Some guy on Twitter having a dig at 'small' English clubs being able to attract players ahead of Italian 'giants'. using Leicester (potentially) signing Gosens ahead of Milan as an example. Then says about Rodrigo De Paul to Leeds. and Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio to Villa 😳
It's not a link. Not even a rumour. But if it was in any way possible to get him, we absolutely should. A physical presence in midfield and takes a wicked free kick. And a massive statement of intent.
1.) 06 May 2021 10:55:25
You can guess what's coming next Ant? 🤔ðŸ˜.
2.) 06 May 2021 11:58:42
We can dream. 😂
Seen a report that Liverpool are willing to sell Oxlade-Chamberlain for £17m. Which means they’d likely take less. Worth a punt?
3.) 06 May 2021 13:12:23
Sooner a loan with option to buy for Ox, brilliant player but can’t stay fit. Think there’d be a queue if he was available mind.
4.) 06 May 2021 13:36:08
The Ox to injury prone for me, and by the way to quote another regular poster on here ‘Villa won’t be buying Milinkovic-Savic’.
30 Apr 2021 16:32:29
Not posted in a while, and sorry it's a long one, but wanted to share some of my hopes for the summer in terms of our transfer business, and interested to see what others are thinking. Dean Smith's latest presser hints at us doing some significant business, and could be an exciting transfer window.
The links to Tammy returning are interesting, and obviously he's a good player who knows the club. But I'm not sure he's the priority. depending if Wesley is going to be able to play a much more substantial role. Still, if signing Tammy doesn't compromise our ability to target other key signings, I'd be all over it.
So priorities. For me it's a creative winger / inside forward who can retain the ball, and shoulder some of the burden with Jack. Our other attacking players don't really have that profile. Emi Buendia is the obvious standout option IMO, but (if he's available at all) won't be cheap. Pereira from WBA also has grown into the league and could be a good shout.
Then we need a proper defensive midfielder. Someone in the mould of Rodri, and my pick would be Berge at Sheff Utd. But interested to hear others' thoughts who we could target?
If we keep Jack left, a number 10, or number 8 to push SJM forward. I think Smith was hinting at us watching Dele Alli, but that ship might've sailed. If there is any way at all to get the underused van de Beek from Man U, we should.
In terms of squad depth, I'd keep Fred Guilbert next season when Elmo goes, and sign a young Championship LB to replace Taylor (Rico Henry or Omar Richards? ) . Then a CB back to replace Engels. Love Tuanzebe back, or if we could get him, Joachim Andersen who's on loan at Fulham from Lyon. Otherwise, Smith knows Mepham at Bournemouth if they don't go up, or Barnsley have two promising defenders in Helik and Mads Andersen.
Finally, I'd like to see us sign some bright young talent for the future too, maybe to remain on season loans at least at Championship level or higher. 4 players I have in mind are Adam Hlovak (ST at Sparta Prague), Michael Olise (AMRC at Reading), Pape Sarr (CM at Metz) and Ben Cabango (DC at Swansea) .
In terms of clearing space, Conor will go. probably to Swansea. Elmo and Taylor out of contract, and if it wasn't for his injury, I'd sell Trez (I think AEG is the better squad option) .
Sorry it's LOOOONG, but love to hear your thoughts on this subject? And any concrete links of course!
{Ed001's Note - Omar Richards has signed for Bayern already for next season.}
1.) 30 Apr 2021 16:50:12
Cheers Ed, Rico Henry it is then 😂.
{Ed001's Note - he looks quality to be fair, if it was me I would go for him.}
2.) 30 Apr 2021 18:02:42
Rico Henry is a beast of a left back. He'd already be a top player if it wasn't for his injury record but unfortunately he always seems to get a few months in before being back out for a year.
22 Sep 2020 10:46:16
So I've just pulled together a quick depth chart for our squad. and CB looks really concerning. If Engels goes, he absolutely must be replaced. I'd actually go so far as to say we should really be signing a CB in addition. Given the system we play, I think our 25 man squad should be:
3x GK (Martinez, Heaton, Steer)
2x RB (Cash, Elmo) I know, I'm sad about Fred too
2x LB (Targett, Taylor) - could do with an upgrade on Taylor
5x CB (Mings, Konsa, Hause, Engels?, A. N. Other)
2x DM (Luiz, Marvelous)
4x MC (McGinn, Grealish, Hourihane, A. N. Other)
4xAM/ FRL (Traore, Rashica?, Trez, El Ghazi)
3x ST (Watkins, Davis, A. N. Other)
So Rashica plus at least 3, maybe 4 more. I doubt we'll sign that many, so need to be very careful who is let go.
20 Sep 2020 00:05:28
Rumours linking Wolves with Alex Oxlads-Chamberlain. Should Villa take a look? Could he play in our midfield 3 if Jack plays wide-left? The guy has had injuries. but has huge talent.
1.) 20 Sep 2020 11:49:50
Huge talent but probably not one of our target areas that need improving right now. Need resources elsewhere.
Also the midfield isn’t really crying out for a maverick type, more an enforcer, as Nakamba isn’t really trusted enough on the ball and he’s the only one that’s got that streak in him.
2.) 20 Sep 2020 12:57:56
Agreed Chris we need a Roy Keane type.
3.) 20 Sep 2020 15:34:56
The ox, good player, but Injury prone.
15 Sep 2020 23:35:17
Twitter is abuzz tonight that the Rashica deal is as good as done. Napoli no longer in the running, so they and Leipzig were the only clubs that could offer Champions League. Dean has (reportedly) personally been in touch with the player and he's impressed. And following Muriqi's move to Lazio for €18m. a record for a Kosovan player. that record is reportedly going to be broken in the coming days. I know this one has dragged. but this is a top quality signing of it happens.
1.) 16 Sep 2020 09:35:50
Really hope your right Ant! going to have a look on Twitter now.
Martinez Cash (New Centre Mid) Rashica Traore Watkins - is day would be our best window in the last decade.
2.) 16 Sep 2020 10:35:10
Irrespective of whether Rashica signs or not I think this is our best transfer business for some time, that combined with Jack signing gives us a more than solid base and if we can get another wide man be that Rashica or someone else, and a striker in then I really think we will be more likely challenging at the top of the league as opposed to fighting off relegation.
07 Aug 2021 21:27:50
I agree. Going to be a fluid front 3/ 4 with an exciting array of options to choose from.
We still need to replace Engels (probably going to be Axel returning), and I think we could do with a higher quality back up keeper than Jed.
Then we need something in midfield. A more complete defensive midfielder than Nakamba. Anguissa would be great (his performance metrics last season were superb), and maybe even be a better option than the more expensive Bissouma (odds on him coming have shortened dramatically) .
I think we still need a naturally left sided attacker too. To upgrade on Anwar. For me, he’s pretty much at his ceiling, and his game would be better suited to a slower paced league where he’s afforded more time and space. He’d do bits for Roma, if that move pans out. Cantwell seems less likely now, but he’d be a good option. or I’d definitely take Damsgaard.
22 Jun 2021 11:14:54
Transfermarkt lists his main position on the right, but the reports I’ve read suggest he prefers a more central role, a second striker type. Looks an excellent prospect and with a fair South American contingent at the club, I’m sure he’d settle. Let’s hope!
16 Jun 2021 22:56:16
Think he’d be a brilliant addition. Get him involved in some coaching, can cover both fullback positions, and even play further forward. He’s a great athlete, and has a winning mentality. Also, takes a wicked set piece. Bring him home!
14 May 2021 23:42:30
The lad at Sporting Lisbon (Joao Palinha) looks a decent option, or Sangare at PSV. My top choice would probably be AZ’s Teun Koopmeiners. Any of those should be gettable tbh. Slightly more fanciful, but might we make a play for Camavinga at Rennes, given the state of French football finances? Lots of options out there and I’m encouraged by Smith’s recent comments about exciting targets and the work that’s already been done to secure them.
05 May 2021 13:01:06
This was in football insider. who also promoted the story about Bayern leading the chase. Their ‘source’ is non-specific and it feels this is a lot of hot air to me. He’s not long signed his contract; someone wants to buy him they’re looking at paying out £25-30m+ based on Bellingham’s transfer and the inevitable comparisons they’ve been made between the two players. Bayern feels like a lazy link too. just because Bellingham moved to Dortmund? Bayern already have Musiala, and Rhein coming through too. Makes little sense.
The allegation of broken promises also feels a stretch given he’s been with the first team squad, and in the match day travelling squad. The lad has been on the bench twice, and seen JJ given an opportunity. What else could he realistically expect? He’s in a great place at Villa to fulfil his potential, and hopefully he’s getting good advice to that effect.
07 Aug 2021 21:38:23
Think we’ll sign another 3/ 4 to fill the gaps we haven’t yet addressed. Pape Matar Sarr we clearly like. but we were quoted a ludicrous price so walked away. May well go back in when his price drops as French clubs need to sell.
07 Aug 2021 21:36:11
He effectively has 2 years left, as one year plus the club has an option. They already sold us Buendia, and need to replace who they sell. I’d not be surprised if that one needs to wait til next summer. Like the player though, think he’d be a good signing at the right price / time.
07 Aug 2021 21:31:40
He played slightly ahead of Fabinho in the Copa America and WCQ when he was involved. but in the Olympic team he was very much at DM. And he was excellent. Alongside / slightly behind Guimares in a double pivot not dissimilar to the system we could well employ. I think he and Sanson could well prove an effective pairing personally.
06 Jun 2021 22:44:07
JWP would be an incredible signing. It seems the interest is genuine, but won’t be an easy deal to do.
The set piece ability of course, but he’s a great player besides that. Full of energy, tidy in possession and an eye for a pass.
I think we’d be looking to play Luiz at DM in the games we expect to control more of the game, with 2 of JWP, McGinn and Sanson as the 8s. Then in tougher games, Marvelous can come in at 6, and Luiz another option a bit further forward.
I expect Ramsey to go out on loan, and get a full season of Championship or EPL experience. Then a front three of Jack, Ollie and Buendia is mouthwatering.
It’s looking VERY promising!
20 May 2021 18:22:16
I knew nothing of Zerkane before we were linked. but what I’ve heard since is that this could be an exciting one to fit our system and develop. Pressures defenders from an advanced wide position, and a decent tackler. Like a better version of Trez. Not got the attacking numbers yet (1 goal, 1assist) . but young and has potential. Mackenzie signed his compatriot Mahrez; it’s an exciting link.
A theory I’ve seen is that we will maybe sign 2 or 3 first team ready players. potential starters. and in truth that’s probably all we need with Bert going into his second season and Sanson stepping up. Wesley also like a new signing if he recovers. We need to replace Barkley, because although he faded after his injury and C.V. he was a big part of our best XI at the start of the season. So a player of that level - who can hopefully stay fit - is a must. Preferably, a player that is more interchangeable with Jack (I. e. can play left or central) . I really hope that it’s de Arrascaeta, but we shall see. Then, with Trez injured and in truth. not really good enough. we need someone to push Traore to start on the right. And lastly, we need a top quality DM.
With those 2/ 3 signed for big money, then the depth should come from young (ish) players with potential. We should be in for high end Championship prospects like Olise and Cabango. ‘Rough diamonds’ as you say; like the links to Mumin, Konan and Zerkane. Shopping in France could make sense with the TV deal collapse and there are so many talented prospects to consider.
The irony is. it’s the same approach that Paddy O’Reilly pursued ahead of a disastrous relegation season. But we weren’t stable, and didn’t have a solid first team foundation to bed those players into having lost our stats (Benteke, Delph) . The players that were signed though. most have gone on to have excellent careers so they were being identified well. Veretout, Adana Traore, Amavi, Idrissa Gueye. perhaps not Tony Moon 🤷ðŸ»â€â™‚ï¸ðŸ˜‚ Wherss Ed the club is at now, such an approach. coupled with the academy investment. bodes really well.
{Ed002's Note - Mehdi Zerkane (RW) Aston Villa and Norwich have both agreed to pay the asking price.}