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In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.

Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener

If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

16/08/2025

Brentford vs Aston Villa

23/08/2025

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

30/08/2025

Everton vs Aston Villa

13/09/2025

Sunderland vs Aston Villa

20/09/2025

Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.

It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.

That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.

Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.

Aston Villa make contact to sign £400,000-a-week player ahead of Arsenal

He’s a Premier League winner…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.

Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are not about to give up their pursuit of new attacking signings any time soon.

In comparison to the previous two Premier League seasons – where they scored 91 and 88 over the course of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 respectively – Mikel Arteta’s side only managed a meagre 69 over the domestic campaign just gone.

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Their lack of firepower, which was largely down to injuries to attacking players and the absence of a prolific striker, was a key aspect of Liverpool running away with last season’s domestic crown.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Bukayo Saka was out for months in total during 24/25, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard also suffered from lengthy lay-offs. This has made the signing of potential forward reinforcements a vital item on sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list this summer, and that applies both further forward and in the wide area.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is a top target for Arsenal in that regard, and they’ve already held reported talks this summer over a move for the Brazilian. However, his £77 million price tag and high salary make him a very ambitious target.

The Gunners have looked at alternatives, like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month.

Alongside Mitoma, another Premier League star under serious consideration at Arsenal is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal plan bid for Mohammed Kudus after talks with him

The Ghanaian has an £80m-plus release clause which is reportedly active from July, but amid West Ham’s eagerness to offload him so they can fund their own transfer plans, Graham Potter’s side would accept around £60 million.

That is according to Graeme Bailey, who also told TBR this week that Arsenal have held talks with Kudus in the last week.

As a result of these discussions, Arsenal are now believed to be plotting a potential bid for the former Ajax star, but it is unclear what his stance would be on a move across London to the Emirates.

Kudus was deployed in a wide variety of roles under both Julen Lopetegui and Potter last term, including as a second striker, centre-forward and CAM, as well as on either flank as a winger/midfielder.

He bagged five goals and four assists in 35 total outings, but what’s more impressive is the player’s outstanding take-on ability.

As per WhoScored, only Man City sensation Jeremy Doku completed more successful dribbles per 90 than Kudus in the top-flight last term, indicating he could offer Arsenal an entirely different dimension.

Arteta also wouldn’t lose Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations midway through 25/26, as would be the case with many other African stars, considering Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004.

While there was nothing riding on Sunday afternoon’s game between Arsenal and Southampton, it was still a frustrating match for the Gunners, one that told the story of how this season has gone.

Draws have been Mikel Arteta’s downfall, as have conceding from set-pieces. A draw looked likely until the 90th minute when Martin Odegaard fired home a rare goal, but that defensive ineptitude from set-plays came back to bite them again.

The visitors took the lead through Kieran Tierney but a second-half goal from Ross Stewart at a corner looked as though it has handed the Saints just their 13th point of an arduous campaign.

Truth be told, Southampton deserved to take something from the game for all their endeavour, but in a classic tale of their own season, they couldn’t hold on.

So, what do we discuss from this one? Perhaps we’ll start with a host of farewells for those at Arsenal.

Arsenal's triumphant send off

It’s safe to say this was not the strongest of lineups from Arteta, who selected the aforementioned Tierney at centre-half, Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Raheem Sterling on the left. Oleksandr Zinchenko even featured at left-back.

The performance of all four of those players was rather mixed, although for Tierney, it was a heroic send off.

The Scot is set to leave the Emirates Stadium behind this summer at the conclusion of his contract and having appeared in front of the home support one last time a week ago, concluded his Arsenal journey with a goal on Sunday.

What he was doing popping up inside the box is anyone’s guess but the defender got across his man and steered the ball home from close range after Ben White had picked him out.

While Tierney enjoyed his final day in Arsenal colours, Sterling certainly did not.

Upon signing for the club, he revealed that we were ‘going to see the best’ of him. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The winger, on loan from Chelsea, is set to return to his parent club and will do so having failed to score in the Premier League all season.

His performance at St Mary’s summed up his sorry loan spell. The England international had just a solitary shot and didn’t create a key pass before he was subbed off in the 63rd minute.

Minutes played

63

Touches

30

Accurate passes

15/15

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/1

Shots on target

0

Shots off target

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Possession lost

4x

Tackles

1

Elsewhere, it may also have been a final day out in Arsenal colours for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Reports suggest that the club would like to keep him in north London but there has been no breakthrough in contract talks just yet.

Of the rest of the Arsenal starters, it feels likely that it was Zinchenko’s final outing too.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Why Arsenal must get rid of Zinchenko

When the £30m Ukrainian signed for the club in 2022, it marked a bit of a revolution in the Arteta era.

He joined alongside Gabriel Jesus that summer from Manchester City and it looked like the two missing pieces of the jigsaw had been added.

Zinchenko was a fine addition and looked a million dollars playing in that inverted full-back role. However, as voiced by certain sections of the media, he has proven himself to be too much of a “liability” from a defensive point of view.

You can’t criticise the left-back’s technique or touch. That was evident against Southampton when he plucked a high ball out of the sky with remarkable composure, stopping it dead in his feet. He didn’t do a whole lot wrong this weekend, but then again, he also didn’t produce anything too positive against the division’s worst side.

Minutes played

70

Touches

86

Accurate passes

60/63 (95%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

2/3

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

1/1

Possession lost

6x

Interceptions

1

Tackles

2

At the technical side of the game, he is outstanding; very few left-backs can do what he does. Sadly for the 28-year-old, his time at the club is likely now going to come to an end.

Back in January, the Ukraine international was attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund but whether their interest is still there, remains to be seen.

Zinchenko would undoubtedly still make for a fine squad player, although with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the presence of Riccardo Calafiori, he simply isn’t going to get much game time.

It perhaps said it all on Sunday that without Odegaard starting, Arteta preferred Nwaneri as the more advanced midfielder, rather than Zinchenko, something the manager had tried with relative success in games against PSV Eindhoven and Brentford in the latter stages of the season.

While he did score against PSV, that is now likely to be his last goal in the red and white of Arsenal.

After 91 appearances for the Londoners, it’s time for him to move on.

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Liverpool are in the market for savvy additions this summer and club officials have come back impressed from a recent scouting trip involving a defender in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Liverpool step up their hunt for reinforcements

The Reds are marching towards the summer window safe in the knowledge that they will be one of the finest Premier League destinations for potential recruits following a successful league campaign. Arne Slot arrived with a vision and delivered with flying colours, which is a theme the Dutchman will be keen to follow up on once the transfer window opens for business.

Mapping out a summer that could see mass changes engulf his squad, Liverpool have lined up Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo as an ambitious venture despite his steep £85 million valuation. On the same token, the Merseyside giants have submitted an enquiry to Monaco involving defender Vanderson amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer.

Earning a controversial reception against Arsenal after coming off the bench, the Three Lions international’s successor will have considerable pressure on their shoulders to take on the creative void needing filled once the 26-year-old moves to Real Madrid.

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Truthfully, it will probably take several additions and a tactical rethink to solve the intriguing conundrum, but Slot has already shown his adaptability over the course of the season.

Before anything else, the Dutchman will value flexibility and depth in his mission to dominate English football. Alterations are a necesarry evil of progression, though adequate cover will be needed to replace any outgoing figures.

Now, Liverpool are lining up a swoop for an impressive defender who could be available on a cut-price deal, according to reports.

Liverpool impressed after Jhon Lucumi scouting mission

According to TBR, Liverpool officials have scouted Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and his intermediaries have been in contact with several clubs to inform them of his situation heading into the summer window. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leeds United have also watched the 28-cap Colombia centre-back in action as his contract runs into its final 12 months in Italy.

Jhon Lucumi’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

41

Goals

1

Assists

1

Juventus and Inter Milan have joined the hunt for his signature, though Liverpool have identified the 26-year-old as an ideal candidate to strengthen their defensive ranks after another solid term at Bologna. Labelled a “phenomenon” by Vincenzo Italiano, Lucumi has been a dominant presence in the Italian top-flight this campaign, winning an average of 3.8 duels per match.

Expectedly, Bologna don’t want to lose one of their star assets on a free transfer next summer, hence why they would be open to a sale in the correct circumstances. Heeding that, Liverpool could now move to complete a bargain transfer to kickstart a trail of exciting recruitment under Slot’s stewardship.

Not since the 1989/90 season had Manchester United lost 16 games in a single league season. That was until this campaign, one that’s seen the Red Devils plummet towards the relegation places.

Ruben Amorim’s side are perhaps fortunate that the three relegated sides, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, were all so poor.

Indeed, after a bruising 4-3 loss at the hands of Brentford on Sunday afternoon, United now sit 15th in the league on 39 points, one point above Tottenham Hotspur who have been equally as bad.

It’s strange, therefore, that they could both meet in the Europa League final in Bilbao if all goes well on Thursday night when Amorim’s men face Athletic Club in their semi-final second leg.

It’s safe to say, despite their first-leg aggregate lead, they will need to be a lot better than they were this weekend when a certain Luke Shaw hardly covered himself in glory.

How Luke Shaw let Man United down vs Brentford

Signed as one of the most promising young players in English football back in June 2014 for £27m, it’s safe to say Shaw has been a brilliant signing.

Despite that horrific leg break and his recent injury troubles, by and large, Shaw has lived up to the hype of one of England’s best left-backs of his generation.

The trouble is, it looks as though his days at United are now coming to a sorry end courtesy of those fitness issues.

The fact of the matter is that the defender has endured a nightmare few years on the treatment table, missing 48 games for club and country through injury last season and sitting out 62 games for club and country this term.

He has only played eight times this term and his second start of 2024/25, which was against the Bees this weekend, may well have been his final one in United colours.

After all, the 29-year-old struggled big time as the left-sided centre-back, hauled off after 45 minutes having nearly scored two own goals in that first period. Shaw did, sadly, find the back of the net at the wrong end of the pitch, and it was a moment that rather typified his struggles during the Erik ten Hag and Amorim eras.

Minutes played

45

Touches

30

Accurate passes

19/24 (79%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0

Clearances

2

Tackles

1

Interceptions

0

Duels won

1/3

Evidently struggling with a lack of fitness, perhaps the current incumbent of the manager’s position at Old Trafford should not have started him.

The same could be said for Patrick Dorgu.

Patrick Dorgu's performance in numbers against Brentford

What a puzzling, topsy-turvy first few months to Dorgu’s career in the north west this has been.

Amorim’s first signing, brought in from Lecce in Serie A, as a flying wing-back he looked tailor-made for the manager’s new system at United.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

While the 20-year-old still has plenty of time to come good, in the short term, it’s certainly not looking good for the young Dane.

He’s been riddled with inconsistency, something that has been typified by a red card against Ipswich back in February, a lack of goal involvements – he has just one – and his withdrawal at half-time on Sunday.

Amorim admitted after the 3-0 win last Thursday that Dorgu was feeling fatigued and thus, it was perhaps strange to see him selected on the right-hand side of United’s attack a few days later.

Clearly still lacking a bit of fitness, just as Shaw was, it was no surprise that he only lasted 45 minutes against the Bees.

Manchester Evening news reporter, Samuel Luckhurst, was one to criticise his display, dishing out a 4/10 match rating and writing: ‘Defended dozily at the far post for Schade’s headed goal. Only started in the absence of a senior right winger.’

Minutes played

45

Touches

28

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Ground duels won

1/3

Aerial duels won

1/2

Clearances

2

Interceptions

0

Tackles

0

Defending dozily just about sums up United’s day as they were left to bemoan their tendency to hand over straightforward chances to Brentford.

Unsurprisingly, Dorgu left the field having had fewer touches (28) than goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (57) and Shaw (30), but more alarmingly, considering he was playing as a wing-back, he didn’t have a single shot, didn’t make a key pass and lost two of his five duels. He didn’t score an own goal like one of his teammates but it was a similarly haphazard and timid display.

With Amad now back and scoring, giving him a runout at the expense of the Denmark international on Thursday certainly seems like a viable solution here.

He'd be amazing with Amad: Man Utd battling to sign £63m "animal"

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ByRobbie Walls May 4, 2025

Celtic are on the march to another potential domestic clean sweep, but could now face a battle on their hands to retain a talented young star, per reports.

Celtic take one step closer to a domestic treble

Hampden was literally a sea of green last weekend as Celtic fans packed out the national stadium on Sunday to witness their side batter St Johnstone 5-0 to reach the Scottish Cup final.

Brendan Rodgers now stands effectively one game off becoming the first ever Hoops manager to win three trebles in charge at Parkhead. They only need one point this weekend away to Dundee United to seal a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title.

In essence, Celtic have one match left this campaign that carries direct jeopardy. However, the thought of post-split clashes such as their trip to Tannadice followed by a meeting with Rangers the week after leave enough motivation for the champions to retain a healthy fire in their belly.

Come the summer, Rodgers’ priority will centre around securing Champions League-calibre additions to bolster his side ahead of the final qualifying round.

Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is a target for Celtic following his refusal to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park. On the same token, Stoke City winger Million Manhoef is on the Bhoys’ radar, though may cost £10 million to bring to Glasgow’s east end.

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While incomings are always on the agenda, it would be negligent to rule out the fact that several departures could occur at Parkhead this summer to make room for fresh blood.

Further down the food chain, Celtic could now be set to lose a talented young star in a scenario that fans have seen unfold all too often in recent years.

Celtic could lose Dara Jikiemi to Nottingam Forest

According to Football Insider, Celtic could lose young defender Dara Jikiemi to Nottingham Forest after the Premier League outfit set their sights on bringing the 15-year-old to the City Ground.

Following some excellent performances at club level that led him to captaining Scotland’s Under-15 side earlier this year, he could become the latest in a long line of youngsters who have departed Lennoxtown to move on before making a sustained first-team breakthrough.

Ben Doak, Rocco Vata, Daniel Kelly, Liam Morrison and Cameron Harper are just a handful of prodigious stars who have left the Scottish champions in recent years while at a young age, enjoying a mixed degree of success south of the border and further afield.

Brexit has made Scottish soil a hotbed for scouts from English clubs due to tightened rules over signing EU-based players while they are under the age of 18. Celtic aren’t immune to this and will routinely face challenges in keeping hold of young talent for years to come.

Enzo Maresca’s Blues started the season in red-hot form, dispatching teams and finding themselves second in the Premier League just before Christmas.

However, since then, Chelsea have struggled, dropping points to bottom-half sides and now finding themselves sixth and on the fringes of Champions League qualification.

Cole Palmer has struggled for form in recent months, playing in the middle of the park behind the striker, often dropping deep to receive the ball and aid Chelsea’s progression through the lines.

Whilst his goal-scoring numbers have dropped off, his creativity remains effective, having the joint highest xA (expected assists) in the Premier League this season with 7.9 xA.

With six games to go, it remains in the balance whether the Blues can obtain a precious top five spot, securing Champions League football for next season, in their ability to do so may well impact their ability to sign players this upcoming summer.

Chelsea favourites to sign Bundesliga sensation

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now leading the race and are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar, Jamie Gittens this summer.

Other Premier League clubs such as Liverpool have shown interest and scouted the 20-year-old winger, but it looks like the Blues may be ahead in the race.

With Jadon Sancho’s future currently in question, the Blues could opt to send the winger back to Manchester United, freeing up funds to acquire Gittens – who has been touted at around £85m – from Dortmund and reinvent the left side of their attacking unit.

Gittens has made 44 appearances for the German outfit this campaign, netting 12 goals, providing five assists and totalling 2,648 minutes played. The English winger came through Manchester City’s academy, much like another one of Chelsea’s superstars.

Gittens vs Palmer comparison

Palmer was, of course, signed from Manchester City back in 2023, joining the Blues for a fee of around £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons. That signing has proven to be well worth the investment made, with the 22-year-old already making 82 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 39 goals and providing 24 assists in 6,575 minutes played.

Goals

0.41

0.41

Assists

0.10

0.24

xG

0.19

0.54

xAG

0.13

0.31

Progressive Carries

5.58

3.25

Progressive Passes

2.07

6.24

Shots Total

2.56

3.65

Goals/Shot

0.16

0.09

Key Passes

1.09

2.54

Shot-Creating Actions

3.66

5.93

Successful Take-Ons

3.73

1.46

Carries into Pen Area

3.08

1.15

When comparing the underlying metrics of both young England stars, you can see how each of their games differ. Gittens clearly excels at carrying, looking to be direct with the ball at his feet, beating players 1v1 and attacking the box. Meanwhile, Palmer looks to express himself through creative passing, creating for himself and others, whilst also not being afraid to pull the trigger.

The 20-year-old has already been described as the “next English diamond” by Saul Morris, via Football Talent Scout, back in 2023. Since then, we have seen Gittens go on to produce some excellent form with Borussia Dortmund, thus earning him recognition from clubs back in England.

If Gittens does join Chelsea, the ex-Manchester City academy duo could be a lethal combination in attack, with Palmer dropping deep and finding those incisive passes in behind opposition defences, allowing Gittens to attack the box and get those shots off.

All the signs then point to this exciting deal proving to be the Blues’ best since snapping up Palmer in 2023.

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According to sources, he has told the franchise he doesn’t mind parting ways with them if he doesn’t fit their plans

Sidharth Monga11-Aug-2025Chennai Super Kings (CSK) allrounder R Ashwin has asked his team for clarity on how they intend to use him in IPL 2026, ESPNcricinfo has learnt. According to sources, he has told the franchise he doesn’t mind parting ways with them if he doesn’t fit their plans.Ashwin, who was acquired by CSK at the mega auction last year for INR 9.75 crore, played nine of 14 matches in a year that was seen as a homecoming. He was with the team that represents his city after eight seasons of playing elsewhere. This year’s IPL was the first time since 2009, Ashwin’s first season, that he played fewer than 12 games in a season. It was also his costliest year as he went for 9.12 runs an over, the first time that his economy went past 8.49.The deadline for releasing players usually depends on when the auction takes place, which hasn’t been finalised for IPL 2026 yet. The mega auction takes place every three years, but there is a mini auction every year. It is usually held anytime from November to February. If there is to be a player trade – as Ashwin did say jokingly in his interview with Sanju Samson – it can take place up to one week before the auction.Related

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“I played three years for RR,” Ashwin said on his Youtube show. “After my 1st year, I got an email from the CEO saying this is your performance, this is our expectation and we’re renewing your contract. It’s one plus one plus one – the contract renewal. After every season, it’s the responsibility of the franchise to communicate to the player if they’re retaining or releasing him.”With regard to news about me or Sanju – obviously a player has the right to express interest [if he wishes to be retained or no]. Every player seeks clarity. As things stand, it’s not in my hands. I’ve just asked for clarity. The situation we’re in, all the news floating around, none of it is coming from the players. Even with Sanju’s news, it’s rumours or it’s coming from the franchise’s side. I don’t know who is making this news.”Ashwin is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL. He started with CSK, and went on to represent the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, before returning to CSK in 2025.CSK have other calls to make as well, including captaincy, which MS Dhoni took over mid-season after Ruturaj Gaikwad injured himself. The franchise has always tended to wait for Dhoni to provide them with clarity on his availability when he starts training towards the end of the year. Last year, CSK named Gaikwad as captain even in the presence of Dhoni, which should be the case next year as well, even if Dhoni continues playing.

Aston Villa could make a move for an “excellent” striker in 2026, amid Ollie Watkins’ struggles to make an impact.

Villa lay down marker with victory over Arsenal

Villa secured their seventh win on the spin in all competitions on Saturday, courtesy of a 2-1 victory against Premier League leaders Arsenal, which came in dramatic fashion, with Emiliano Buendia firing home a late winner to send Villa Park into raptures.

Unai Emery was delighted with the result, despite also making it clear his side must keep their feet on the ground, saying: “Today we must be happy, the supporters, Aston Villa fans and ourselves because we did the job we needed.

“Of course, we got three points and we are, in the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world, more or less, now feeling strong and feeling comfortable.

“But this is a race for 38 matches and we are on 15.”

It is difficult not to get too carried away, with the Villans now just three points behind Arsenal, but Watkins may need to get back to his best if Emery’s side are going to make a serious push for the Premier League title.

The Englishman has scored just three goals in 15 league outings, and Aston Villa are now lining up a move for a new striker in 2026, with a report from Tuttosport (via FC Inter News) revealing they could launch an attack to sign Bologna’s Santiago Castro next summer.

Nottingham Forest are also in the race for the centre-forward, and a deal could be on the expensive side, with the Italian club potentially set to demand €40m – €50m (£35m – £44m) for his services.

Ideally, Bologna would like to keep hold of the 21-year-old, and they are planning to offer him a bumper new contract in the coming weeks, in order to ward off the interest from elsewhere.

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ByDominic Lund 5 days ago Castro could be "excellent" addition to Villa's attack

Donyell Malen has proven himself as a solid option at striker this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions, but Villa may still have room to bring in another centre-forward, given that the Dutchman regularly features out wide.

Castro has proven he could be a viable target with some of his displays this season too, having scored five goals in all competitions, two more than Watkins, while he also showcased his ability to create chances last term, leading to high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

The Argentinian hasn’t been prolific since moving to Bologna, chipping in with 16 goals and 10 assists in 71 outings, but he is still very young, having only turned 21 in September, and Villa should continue to monitor his performances between now and next summer.

Big Picture: Can Bangladesh give Australia a scare?

After the puffing and panting England and South Africa were forced to do in their modest chases this World Cup, Bangladesh’s next target is the biggest fish of them all – world champions Australia. Playing only their second ODI World Cup, Bangladesh would want to drop the seven-time champions a reminder of how their meeting in the 2022 edition had unfolded, when Bangladesh had given Australia a few stutters while defending 135 in a truncated match in Wellington.Three-and-a-half-years on, Bangladesh have grown by leaps and bounds by running England and South Africa close in this edition, nearly winning on both occasions. Their bowlers had England on the ropes in a modest chase of 178 while their batters set the stage nicely against an experienced South African attack a few days back. However, their fielding let the match slip through with dew around in Visakhapatnam.Three days on, Bangladesh need to ensure they put their best foot forward in all aspects against the defending champions, if they hope to turn their dream of entering the top four on the points table into reality.Australia started their campaign with two collapses before rescue acts saved them against New Zealand and Pakistan. Their top order – primarily driven by Alyssa Healy – then got among the runs in their slightly tense win over India, but a few late wickets also had them break into a sweat. Bangladesh will be keen to punch a few holes early into that batting order, for that’s their best chance.

Form guide

Australia WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)Bangladesh LLLWL1:44

Sutherland: Our bowling attack covers all bases

In the spotlight: Marufa and Litchfield

Marufa Akter will hold the key to Bangladesh’s hopes with the new ball. She has had two poor games after her early wickets against both England and Pakistan in the early stages of the tournament. Her hooping inswingers become unplayable when pitched correctly well outside off, which she was unable to do against South Africa. She didn’t get her rhythm right that day, her captain said, and Marufa will hope her mojo is back on Thursday, and keep the inswinging threat going by taking a leaf out of Fatima Sana’s book from her spell against England on Wednesday.Related

• England's lucky break masks deeper batting issues

• A big-hitter in a small world – new-age Shorna turns heads

• Top-order turbulences, left-arm spin traps and catching concerns

• 'It was very difficult' – dew and drops dampen Bangladesh's spirits

• Healy: Batting collapses 'not a worry' but it's 'something we'd like to rectify'

For the kind of promise she has shown so early in her career and at such a young age, 22-year-old Phoebe Litchfield is always among the young players to watch out for heading into a big tournament. She got to face only 45 balls in the middle and lower order in the T20 World Cup last year in the UAE, and now her maiden ODI World Cup has had a slightly lukewarm start. Her quick knock against India had all the signs of a big score before she fell for 40. However, the conditions in Visakhapatnam, where runs are on offer and quick bowlers are getting dispatched, might favour her.

Team news

Australia won’t feel the need to tinker with their winning XI that beat India on the same ground, covering all bases with their spin and pace attack. Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry had walked off against India with cramps in hot and humid conditions, but there was nothing serious with their injury concerns. Only if Sophie Molineux needs a break, since she has returned to international cricket after ten months because of a knee surgery, will Australia make a change by bringing back Georgia Wareham.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (cap & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Beth Mooney, 5 Annabel Sutherland 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath, 8 Sophie Molineux/Georgia Wareham, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Alana King, 11 Megan SchuttBangladesh nearly pulled off a victory against South Africa on this ground a few days ago, and they seem to have the right balance – with a swing bowler and plenty of spinners – to suit the conditions, which don’t offer much for pace bowlers.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Fargana Hoque, 2 Rubya Haider, 3 Sharmin Akhter, 4 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 5 Shorna Akter, 6 Sobhana Mostary, 7 Rabeya Khan, 8 Ritu Moni, 9 Fahima Khatun, 10 Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter2:01

Mostary: The younger players just try to give their best

Pitch and conditions: Runs aplenty expected

The pitches used in the three matches in Visakhapatnam so far have all offered runs, some swing early on and purchase for the spin bowlers, when they aren’t bowling too much over 80kmh. There was plenty of dew in the last game when the Bangladesh bowlers struggled to control the ball while trying to defend 232 against South Africa, and similar conditions could be expected for Thursday. There has been intermittent rain in the build up to all the matches here. For a change, Thursday looks completely clear for the heat and humidity to dominate.

Stats and trivia

• Shorna Akter scored the fastest half-century for Bangladesh in ODIs, against South Africa, off just 34 balls
• Australia and Bangladesh played a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh in March 2024 which Australia won 3-0
• Annabel Sutherland’s five-for against India was only the third five-wicket haul for an Australian player in ODI World Cups. The first two were by Tina Macpherson and Lyn Fullston (twice)
• Alyssa Healy has the joint-most hundreds (three) in ODI World Cups, along with Meg Lanning and Karen Rolton. Nat Sciver-Brunt leads the overall list with five centuries.
• Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter are the only Bangladesh players to have won Player-of-the-Match awards in ODI World Cups.

Quotes

“I think we had a really good series against them a little bit over a year ago, which sort of gave us some really good insight. Pretty similar team that they’re coming out with in this World Cup so far. So we’ve got some really good intel on that and can obviously look back at the games so far.”
“After the last match (against South Africa) there was no negative talk. Everyone – senior, junior and the team management – spoke only about the positive things.”