Ismaila Sarr deal 'in danger' as Steven Gerrard drops Cameron Archer hint
BirminghamLive brings you a round-up of the latest news and headlines surrounding Aston Villa
Your Aston Villa digest for Monday, August 22.
Villa 'set' to win Ismaila Sarr battle
Aston Villa are reportedly set to beat off competition to complete a deal for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.
The 24-year-old has been a standout performer since joining the Hornets from Rennes in 2019. He has earned plaudits across two seasons in the Premier League as well as playing a pivotal role in helping Watford return to the top-flight in 2021.
Sar, who was part of the Senegal squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, has started the new campaign with a goal and assist, despite missing his side’s last two games through injury. It was claimed on Saturday evening that Villa were targeting a move for the forward and Steven Gerrard ’s side appear to be close to completing their sixth summer signing, according to reports.
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Transfer 'in danger' after late twist
Aston Villa's pursuit of Ismaila Sarr is 'in danger' as negotiations between the player and club continue, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Villa have agreed a £25m transfer fee with Watford for Sarr, but the deal is not complete, as per the latest reports. Romano wrote on Twitter: "There are still things to resolve for Ismaila Sarr deal between Aston Villa and Watford.
"Negotiations in danger after progress made earlier today. Aston Villa and Watford have full agreement - not completed yet on player side."
Gerrard makes Cameron Archer revelation
Steven Gerrard has dropped a huge hint involving a potential loan switch for Cameron Archer. The head coach previously stated that the 20-year-old would remain a first-team player for the season ahead but, with Archer playing just nine minutes of Villa's first three Premier League fixtures, Gerrard has conceded that a loan move could well be in the offing as early as this week.
Asked about Archer's potential involvement against Bolton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, Gerrard revealed that he'll now 'do the right thing' for the England under-21 international, with Watford leading a long queue of clubs to take the Walsall ace on loan.
Double transfer hints at formation change
Aston Villa have faced plenty of questions already this season.
Who would partner Diego Carlos; the seemingly eternal Emiliano Buendia/Philippe Coutinho debate; swiftly followed by a choice between Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings or both up front. That Carlos suffered a serious injury and Steven Gerrard’s side appear to be closing in on Watford winger Ismaila Sarr leaves the Villa boss with even more decisions to make as the club enter the final stretch of the transfer window.
Villa have recruited sensibly this summer with Boubacar Kamara addressing a vital area of the pitch; Ludwig Augustinsson providing much-needed cover at left-back; and Philippe Coutinho looking to rediscover his spark at B6 on a permanent basis for a cut-price fee. However, the injury to Carlos leaves just one new arrival in Villa’s first XI, while the reported signing of Sarr may pose wider changes to how Villa currently set up.
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