Aston Villa

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We asked for your views about Ezri Konsa's probable exit from Aston Villa to join Premier League champions Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Well, we hoped it wouldn't happen, but I guess all of us expected it. Sad and frustrating, but let's not forget what he has done for us since joining, so thank you and good luck.

Luke: If you asked all the players that left, I don't think they left because of the culture or the manager but because of the financial restrictions of PSR and how that keeps Villa back. Not angry with the player or with Arsenal. They strengthen again, which is their right.

Prit: Other than more money, why on earth would Konsa want to move to Arsenal? At Villa, he is a revered hero of the Holte End, guaranteed football, Champions League football and playing under the best manager in the Premier League. At Arsenal, he will play until Saliba becomes fit, becoming a squad player and coming on from the bench and, come March, will not be picked for England. Very sad to see him go, this hurts more than the others. I just hope Unai Emery has got plans for not only Konsa's replacement but a second centre-back.

Rob: This one hurts far more than Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers. Ezri Konsa has been a dependable player ever since he joined us and kept us up, and I think in keeping us up and helping us get European football again, he's cemented himself as one of Villa's best ever defenders. I don't think it's ideal that he's leaving so close to the start of the season, but would I rather keep him around when he might have one eye on Arsenal coming back and another on running down his contract? Probably not. Still, if anyone can get Konsa's replacement right, for me, it's Unai Emery. Keep the faith.

Cassie: It would be a good signing for Arsenal. Ezri Konsa is a great addition to their squad, but he won't start every game. He helped Villa get to the level which they are at, so, thank you. But who has Unai Emery got lined up to replace him? He must have somebody in mind.

Samuel: More annoyed about the timing of the deal than losing the player. Arsenal have dragged their heels all summer and now leave us scrabbling for another centre-back days before the season starts. I wish Konsa all the best, but he never had the aerial presence for his physique, and far too often played for fouls which backfired. In Unai Emery we trust to find the solution and build better from here.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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There was always going to be change at Villa Park this summer, the squad were braced for it and the Europa League win in May was the final chance for them to do something together.

It could be more drastic than envisioned, though, with so many crucial players either gone or going. It is a transition which would usually take two or three windows, in an ideal world.

There are different reasons for the departures so far, including lowering the wage bill and average age of the squad - which was the second highest in the Premier League last season.

Villa need to comply with Uefa's and the Premier League's financial regulations and selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m was the best way to ensure they brought in as much profit as possible for someone who cost £16m.

Youri Tielemans was different, with Manchester United triggering his £35m release clause and he wanted to go, while Villa wanted to revamp their left-back spot which is why Lucas Digne moved to PSG and Matteo Ruggeri has replaced him from Atletico Madrid.

Emi Martinez has looked to leave previously and Villa could do without another drama - the reason for his failed move to Juventus was because the clubs could not agree a free - while Ezri Konsa's Arsenal move could be done by the end of the week.

Ultimately, Villa are still a selling club even if that jars with the fact they are in the Champions League and Europa League holders.

Yet, Villa want to keep Ollie Watkins and he would be difficult to replace. Should the England forward leave, it would represent the most emotional departure from Villa Park this summer and really signal how much change is happening.

Some of you have been sending in questions on Arsenal, with Junaied asking me if it is a wise move for Ezri Konsa and whether he will play enough under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are planning to compete in multiple competitions this coming season and will need to utilise their squad.

They played 63 games in total last season as they won the Premier League and lost in the Champions League final.

Injuries also plagued them last season so the Gunners are using this campaign, after their title win, to kick on and bring in quality players that can challenge the first team.

Yes, Konsa will find regular game time hard when Saliba and Timber are fit but he could also push to start if one of those two players suffer a drop in form.

Arsenal are doing the same in midfield with the signing of Bruno Guimaraes. His arrival means that one of Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly or Mikel Merino will always have to start on the bench as the first choice three will likely be Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Guimaraes.

Usually, winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League would leave a club in a position of strength.

However, Aston Villa have been picked apart this summer to become a victim of the system they have been vocal against.

Ensuring they comply with Uefa and the Premier League's financial rules led them to sell Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a record £117m.

Even then, Youri Tielemans - who like Morgan Rogers scored in May's Europa League win over Freiburg - was also sold to Manchester United.

Villa wanted to alter their left-back profile so Lucas Digne was allowed to join Paris St-Germain, with Atletico Madrid's Matteo Ruggeri replacing him.

Now, though, there is still huge uncertainty over Villa's squad just four days before they start the season at Brighton.

Last season: Fourth.

This season: Sixth.

Unai Emery's outstanding work at Aston Villa continued when they won the Europa League and he took them back into the Champions League.

This brilliant strategist can never be underestimated, but Villa's financial balancing act has led to the departures of key players Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers.

Heavy responsibility will lie with loan signing Alejandro Garnacho, whose career has stagnated, while hopes are high for Brazil midfielder Joao Gomes, who was signed from Wolves for £38m.

Villa pulled off a real coup when they pipped Newcastle to Freiburg's 20-year-old midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was a standout performer for Switzerland at the World Cup.

Villa have brought in Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma as a long-term first choice, with Emiliano Martinez's future in doubt.

So, it is a time of churn at Villa Park, but there is no reason to believe Emery cannot work more of his magic - while teenage striker Brian Madjo could be a breakout star.

• Read more of Phil's predictions

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

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Teams in the bottom half of the Premier League in 2025-26 finished with more points than they had in years, meaning that judging them simply by their position in the table is perhaps a little harsh.

Everton may have been underwhelmed with their 13th-place finish but it was the most points a team in that position had finished with since the Toffees themselves in 1999-2000.

The points of the four places below them were all the highest they have been in the Premier League for 23 years and West Ham can consider themselves unlucky to have gone down with the highest points total for an 18th-placed side since 2010-11.

However, competition has come at a cost.

One place where the Premier League has become less competitive - because it has become more fiercely-contested overall - is at the very bottom.

While it is almost expected for one side to be cut adrift long before the end of the season, nowadays two sides are getting left behind.

The average points tally of the second-bottom side in a 38-game season is 31, meaning teams that finish there have usually competed in a relegation battle for most of the season before ultimately falling short.

After the Premier League was reduced to 20 teams in 1995-96, only two 19th-placed sides failed to reach 30 points in the first 21 seasons. But in the past decade, seven of the 10 sides to finish in that position have failed to do so.

In the past two seasons, promoted sides Ipswich and Burnley have both finished there with just 22 points - the fewest ever taken by a second-bottom side.

Relegation battles are now mostly a fight to see who takes the final spot in the bottom three, with the other two accounted for long before the final day - often by promoted sides.

But inspired by the survival of Sunderland and Leeds, promoted trio Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City will all be hoping they have what it takes to match the competitiveness of the Premier League this season.

Read more on the Premier League's competitive numbers

Aston Villa are interested in signing Chelsea's English defender Tosin Adarabioyo, 28, as a potential replacement for Ezri Konsa following Arsenal's deal for the England international. (Sky Sports), external

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

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Aston Villa have welcomed Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki to Villa Park on Wednesday.

Japan goalkeeper Suzuki told VillaTV that he aims to "make some history at this great club", while Italian defender Ruggeri said he had "no doubts" about joining Unai Emery's side.

Suzuki, who has joined from Parma, said: "It was a great two seasons in Italy and also the World Cup as well. And my dream is to play in the Premier League.

"I want to prove myself at this highest level."

Left-back Ruggeri, who spent last season with Atletico Madrid, said he was "really impressed by the project of this team".

He added: "Last season was an important one for me because we [Atletico Madrid] managed to reach the Champions League semi-finals. This year, I hope to do the same with Aston Villa and win a trophy in these colours.

Although the 24-year-old only spent one season with Diego Simeone's side, the Italian was a regular starter for the Spanish club.

"I definitely want to get off to a good start straight away and give the manager a strong signal, showing him that I'm here to defend these colours and fight for big things," added Ruggeri.

Arsenal have agreed a deal worth more than £50m to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

The England international is set to have a medical before completing his move to Emirates Stadium.

BBC Sport revealed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks with Villa over a deal for Konsa but still fell short of reaching an agreement.

The Gunners then appeared to pivot to Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah.

However, Arsenal refocused their efforts on Konsa and have now struck a deal for the player with Villa.

How do you feel about Konsa's likely exit?

Get in touch with your views here

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We asked for your views on Aston Villa having agreed a deal to sign West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Here are some of your comments:

Fred: Wan-Bissaka could be the right-back Villa have been looking for!

Chay: He is a proven Premier League player with West Ham and Manchester United. So I am happy about that. And he will provide some backup quality. Happy about that too. Only concern is, will he be good enough for a full 90 match if injuries hurt Villa again?

Craig: Versatile player so a good addition.

Ian: No strong feelings. Not a bad player but I imagine he'll be on pretty big wages for a player I don't expect to start ahead of Matty Cash. Other positions would have been my priority but I'm sure there's a plan!

Steve: Good signing, strong attacking flair, and a solid defender. He is also strong in the air and I like how comfortable he is in possession. Should start ahead of Cash but, knowing Unai Emery, he will share it.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Dennis Rudel, Zion Suzuki's former coach at Sint-Truiden in Belgium, praises the new Aston Villa goalkeeper's distribution - both with his arms and his feet - and believes his former player can become one of the world's best.

"It is possible if he stays healthy," said the former Union Berlin coach. "With his physical strength, there is no one better in the world in terms of dynamic, jumping power, throws and kicking the ball.

"When I watched him at the World Cup [for Japan], his biggest strength was his mental clearness. His focus on the game or in training sessions is so good. He is always prepared and really disciplined.

"When I see how he has always adapted so quickly over the last four years, I'm convinced he can play at that [Premier League] level.

"There are big footsteps [to follow] from Emi Martinez, you will get measured and compared to him. It would be the same at Bayern Munich with the new Manuel Neuer - Jonas Urbig - you get compared to the former player.

"He is aiming to show he can be one of the best. He was immediately one of the top four or five goalkeepers in Serie A.

"As a person and as a player, he is a role model for how you should behave. I don't see any weakness in him."

Rudel, who worked with Suzuki when he was on loan at Sint-Truiden in 2023-24, believes Villa have signed a unique player.

"I saw his power immediately," he added. "To show your strength in the game, you have to let the beast out on the pitch. He is so powerful, I've never seen a goalkeeper like it.

"He has such big hands and he is powerful. When he can reach the ball, it is a 90-95% chance of a save. It is something really special."

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Aston Villa have confirmed the permanent signings of Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri and Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Ruggeri, who lifted the 2023-24 Europa League title with Atalanta, only joined Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal in July 2025.

The 24-year-old made 47 appearances and provided seven assists in all competitions last season, as the La Liga outfit reached the Champions League semi-finals and recorded a fourth-place league finish.

Suzuki, who represented Japan at the 2026 World Cup, has spent the past two season at Parma after signing a five-year deal in July 2024.

The 23-year-old kept six clean sheets but conceded 30 goals in 22 appearances across Serie A and the Italian Cup last season.

Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next?

BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months.

Aston Villa have three players on the list: Brian Madjo, Johan Manzambi and George Hemmings...

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Name: Brian Madjo Age: 17 Position: Striker Country: England

Steve Bower: He has got a huge frame and figure for his age, bringing very early comparisons to Erling Haaland, which is a big tag to carry.

But, without putting too much pressure on a 17-year-old's shoulders, with Villa being in the Champions League this season and the extra games that brings, Madjo is going to get some minutes.

In Unai Emery, Madjo has got the perfect manager to nurture his development too, and I think he could make his mark across all competitions this season.

Name: Johan Manzambi Age: 19 Position: Midfield/forward Country: Switzerland

James Fielden: I first saw Johan play for Freiburg towards the back end of last season in their Europa League tie against Celta Vigo and said to a colleague that something would have gone wrong for him if he wasn't playing Premier League football come August. Think of Eberechi Eze in the way he effortlessly glides across the pitch with the ball.

Don't be fooled by the number nine he wore on his back for Switzerland at the World Cup - he generally plays a lot deeper than that.

He played against Villa in their Istanbul final, but him not having much of a say was more about the team than his own doing.

Name: George Hemmings Age: 19 Position: Midfield Country: England

Tom Gayle: There is hole in Villa's midfield as a result of Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United as well as Amadou Onana's anterior cruciate ligament injury. Unai Emery will hope Hemmings could be the solution.

A regular England international throughout the age groups, Hemmings had plenty of admirers as he progressed through the Nottingham Forest academy before moving to the West Midlands at the start of 2024.

There's no doubt during the 20 months since his arrival at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground that Hemmings has been nurtured in the strict requirements of 'Emery Ball'. The Spanish head coach has admitted during this time the youngster has spent more time "working and not playing".

All this work behind the scenes led to John McGinn's striking assessment of Hemmings' performance against PSG, when he proclaimed "it's no surprise to see him as one of the best players on the pitch".

Following his breakout performance last week, perhaps the only surprise will be if we don't get to see a lot more of Hemmings this season.

Find the full list of possible breakout stars here

Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins, 29, has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal, though the Saudi side are yet to submit a transfer offer to Villa. (Teamtalk), external

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

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Fancy testing your football prediction skills? With the new season under way, BBC Sport has just the thing to keep you entertained every week.

After the success of our World Cup Predictor game, we've rebranded it for the club season as Match of the Day Predictor.

It's simple to play - just predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

And don't worry if you've joined late - players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Once you've submitted your predictions, you'll also be able to see what others think the outcome of the match will be.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or click here to play

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So, Villa have agreed an initial loan deal to sign West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who will now travel for medical.

Villa have an obligation to buy the 28-year-old DR Congo international at the end of the season. The exact terms of the deal are not known, but the Hammers have previously asked interested clubs to pay £25m.

What do you make of the move? Does Wan-Bissaka help strengthen an area that needed greater depth or would you have gone in a different direction?

Get in touch with your views here

BBC Radio WM's Steve Hermon discusses the latest at Aston Villa and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez: "The key here, Unai Emery is the boss - it's unique in this age. He is the man who gets the final say. I don't think he'd sanction this move for Suzuki if he wasn't prepared to let Martinez go.

"I think a lot of fans still remember the final game of the season before last when he was crying on the pitch and went to all four stands. He clearly thought a move would happen that summer. It didn't. Fair play to him, he still played a vital role and was a big part of the Europa League.

"Certainly it does feel like we are getting towards the end of his time at Aston Villa."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart believes consistent stories linking Martinez with a move away mean boss Unai Emery has to consider the future.

Hart explained: "Emery has to put Aston Villa first. Suzuki is a top goalkeeper. If you end up having to have both of them so be it.

"Suzuki could potentially play number two. Do you play Martinez? I think you do - I think he deserves to be number one. But I think you have to have that contingency plan.

"Emery has to put Villa first and have someone ready to play in the Premier League if Martinez moves on."