Hello and welcome to our coverage of the final days in the summer transfer window, on Wednesday, August 31.
Steven Gerrard and his squad have suffered a disappointing start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, which could lead to further investment before the close of the window on Thursday, September 1.
Through both injuries and the results, the hand of the Villa owners , Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, could be forced if they are to see the continuous improvement the club has been desperately seeking in recent seasons.
Names such as Southampton's Jan Bednarek and West Ham United's Craig Dawson continue to swirl as Gerrard looks for a solution to his centre-back problems, following a severe injury to his new £26million signing Diego Carlos. However, outgoings currently look more likely with the Villa boss revealing the club will look to move Morgan Sanson on, with an exit also looking imminent for promotion hero Anwar El Ghazi.
More recently, rumours have emerged regarding a possible move to Liverpool for Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, as he enters the final year of his current deal at the club. Jurgen Klopp has been left short within the middle of the park so far this season and could look to capitalise on the uncertainty regarding Luiz's future with a £20million bid this week.
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news on the blog below...
Steven Gerrard admits concerns over his Aston Villa future
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard admits being concerned about his future as manager after his side fell to a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
Former Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus scored the opening goal after the Gunners dominated for large parts in the first half. However, Douglas Luiz equalised for Villa - only for the home side to swiftly respond through Gabriel Martinelli.
The result becomes Gerrard's third consecutive defeat, and fourth so far this season. Their only win came in a 2-1 home triumph to Everton. Analysing his side's performance, he told BT Sport: "We worked ever so hard to stay in the game and stay with Arsenal. I think technically they were a level above for 45 minutes. Because of our technical level we kept giving the ball back.
John McGinn launches Steven Gerrard defence after Aston Villa defeat at Arsenal
Captain John McGinn has insisted Aston Villa's poor recent form has "nothing to do with the manager" following their 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Villa fell to defeat for a third consecutive game in the Premier League. Gabriel Jesus scored the opening goal on 30 minutes before substitute Douglas Luiz put matters level, but it wasn't to be as the Gunners responded promptly with a second goal through Gabriel Martinelli.
The result puts Steven Gerrard's side in 19th place in the league, second from bottom, with just one win to their name. Speaking post-match, Scottish midfielder McGinn believes mistakes being made "over and over again" led to his side getting "punished."
Steven Gerrard facing more questions after Aston Villa lose at Arsenal
Aston Villa fans have responded to their team's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
Steven Gerrard's side fell to a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League. Gabriel Jesus scored the opening goal on 30 minutes, before the visitors responded through Douglas Luiz' corner.
But the Gunners promptly responded by scoring a second, just three minutes after, through Gabriel Martinelli. The Villans have recorded just one league win this season so far.
Aston Villa make 'enquiry' about Chelsea star ahead of transfer deadline day
Aston Villa have reportedly made an enquiry for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, earning him plaudits and being handed an international call up to Gareth Southgate's England squad. Meanwhile, Villa had been linked with a move earlier this summer, as Steven Gerrard made it clear he would be keen to 'strengthen' his midfield options.
With recent reports also linking Douglas Luiz to a potential exit as several clubs circle for the midfielder, Gerrard remains hopeful of finding solutions. According to talkSPORT, Villa's have now decided to make an enquiry about Gallagher's availability in an attempt to seal a late transfer before Thursday's deadline.
Ian Wright questions Steven Gerrard over Leon Bailey
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has challenged Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard on his sparing use of Leon Bailey in the team's line-up.
"You've got Leon Bailey, someone who was young player of the year, who is a special player," he said on the Wrighty's House podcast. "Villa are not playing with wingers, so how is he going to fit into the team?"
Aston Villa questions asked as Steven Gerrard names team to face Arsenal
Aston Villa fans have responded to Steven Gerrard's team selection to face Arsenal at the Emirates this evening.
The Villa boss has made four changes to his line-up following the 1-0 home defeat to West Ham last time out. Calum Chambers, Douglas Luiz, Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings drop out while Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey are handed starts.
Gerrard's men are looking for their second win of the Premier League season after losing the three out of four Premier League games.
Anwar El Ghazi receives Aston Villa 'hero' message after permanent transfer completed
Aston Villa fans have sent "hero" Anwar El Ghazi a farewell message after his permanent departure to PSV Eindhoven was confirmed.
The 27-year-old took to social media to describe the "beautiful moments" he experienced in a claret and blue shirt during his four-year connection with the club. He helped Villa to promotion success, scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 play-off final win over Derby County at Wembley.
As he now returns to his homeland having signed a three-year deal with PSV, he wrote: "First of all I want to say THANK YOU Aston Villa and their supporters for the amazing 4 years and the opportunity to play for this fantastic club. I will never forget the beautiful moments I have had here.
Shock deadline day bid eyed
Aston Villa have been linked with a surprise transfer deadline day bid for Tottenham Hotspur forward Lucas Moura.
Steven Gerrard has completed five permanent deals for Villa so far this summer, signing midfielder Boubacar Kamara, left-back Ludwig Augustinsson and central defender Diego Carlos. Loan moves for goalkeeper Robin Olsen and former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho have also been made permanent.
It now seems that a late move for Moura could be on the cards as Villa look to further strengthen their squad in the final throws of the transfer window. The deadline is just over 24 hours away with the window shutting at 11pm on Thursday, September 1.
'My Brummies' - El Ghazi sends heartfelt Aston Villa farewell message as transfer confirmed
Anwar El Ghazi has taken to social media to send Aston Villa fans a heartfelt farewell message after he completed a permanent move to PSV Eindhoven.
The 27-year-old has made the switch to the Eredivisie side for an undisclosed fee, agreeing a three-year contract. He initially joined Villa from Lille in 2018, and contributed to the club's play-off final success against Derby County at Wembley in his first season, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 success.
El Ghazi was just shy of making 120 appearances for the Villans and spent brief spell on loan at Everton last season. He had found chances limited under Steven Gerrard and recently featured for the under-21s team, in a 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough - scoring a goal and providing an assist.
Breaking: Aston Villa confirm permanent transfer for winger
Anwar El Ghazi has completed a move to PSV Eindhoven from Aston Villa on a permanent deal.
El Ghazi has joined the Dutch club for an undisclosed fee after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. It brings to an end his four-year stay at Villa Park, having arrived from Lille in 2018.
The winger now returns to his native country, having helped Villa to Premier League promotion in his first season at the club. He memorably scored the opening goal in the Championship play-off final victory over Derby County at Wembley.
Aston Villa sent £25m Leicester City transfer instruction as midfielder 'available'
Aston Villa fans have made their feelings clear over the latest news regarding the availability of Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
Steven Gerrard meanwhile, has made signing a new number eight a priority, while Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz continues to be linked with a move away. Tielemans has attracted plenty of interest this summer, including from Arsenal.
Aston Villa's brilliant gesture to Dean Smith ahead of Birmingham City win
Former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith and his Norwich City squad were allowed to train at Bodymoor Heath ahead of their Championship clash with Birmingham City last night.
Smith, who was succeeded by current Villa boss Steven Gerrard last November, guided the club from mid-table in the Championship to the Premier League through the playoffs in 2019.
It wasn't long before the boyhood Villa fan found himself in another role after leaving the Midlands however, with Norwich City appointing the former Brentford man as their head coach just a week after he was relieved of his duties at Villa Park. While he may have failed to steer the club to safety, Smith remains in charge at Carrow Road with the Canaries currently sitting in second place within the Championship following a strong start to the season.
Liverpool receive response after shock Aston Villa £20m transfer claims emerge
Aston Villa fans have had their say after rumours regarding a possible move to Liverpool for midfielder Douglas Luiz emerged last night.
Luiz, 24, has entered the final year of his current deal at Villa Park after signing for around £15 million from Manchester City in 2019. The Brazilian midfielder has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs including Arsenal and Newcastle United in England, as well as Juventus, AC Milan and AS Roma in Italy.
However, another Premier League side now looks set to join the race for the player's services, with Liverpool reportedly looking to solve their problems within midfield following injuries to Naby Keita, Thiago, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Manager admits Aston Villa transfer would be a 'surprise'
Watford manager Rob Edwards would be 'surprised' if Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer arrived through the door before the end of the transfer window.
The 20-year-old striker had previously spent the end of last season on loan at Championship side Preston North End, where he netted a total of seven goals across 18 starts for Ryan Lowe's side and had recently been linked with a return to the English second division this summer.
According to The Athletic, Watford have had a 'long-standing- interest in the England U21 international and the player was 'set' to be loaned to the Hornets as part of the agreed deal with Villa to sign winger Ismaila Sarr. The Senegalese international then failed to agree personal terms with Villa, leading to the collapse of the deal as well as Archer's temporary switch to Vicarage Road.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta suffers double injury blow
Steven Gerrard will line his Aston Villa squad up to face Arsenal this evening as we bring you a predicted line-up for Mikel Arteta's side ahead of the clash.
The Gunners have enjoyed a successful start to the 2022/23 Premier League season, winning all of their four opening fixtures against Fulham, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Leicester City. Villa on the other hand have endured a slightly more turbulent beginning to the campaign, with just one win recorded across their first four games.
Steven Gerrard is now staring down the barrel of a quick turnaround following a disappointing loss to West Ham United on Sunday, as Villa travel to the Emirates this evening (7:30pm kick-off) in a bid to right the wrongs from the 1-0 loss to David Moyes' side. Ahead of the fixture, Arsenal have suffered two injury setbacks within their midfield as both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny look set to miss the clash today.
Liverpool sent brutal message amid 'terrible' £20m Aston Villa transfer link
Liverpool fans have had their say after links emerged regarding a possible £20million move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The 24-year-old Brazilian international has entered the final year of his deal at Villa Park and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Midlands in recent months. Links to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all emerged last January and more recently teams from Serie A such as Juventus and AS Roma have been credited with an interest in the player.
Another Premier League giant could now be set to enter the race for the player before the window closes on Thursday, as Liverpool look to address their issues within midfield following injuries to Naby Keita, Thiago, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start the season.
Guilbert emerges as late transfer 'target'
Forgotten Aston Villa defender Frederic Guilbert is reportedly a “target” for French side Angers.
The right-back spent 18 months on loan at Strasbourg, where he made 49 appearances, before returning to Bodymoor Heath this summer. Guilbert played 25 league games for Villa during the 2019-20 season but subsequently lost his place to Matty Cash and last featured for the club in the 6-0 Carabao Cup win over Barrow in August 2021.
The 27-year-old’s prospects appear limited at Villa Park and the full-back hinted on Sunday, via social media, that he could be on the move: “Here we go again for the longest week of the year”. Guilbert has been touted with a return to France throughout the summer and Angers are claimed to have joined the battle for his signature.
Liverpool make shock £20m Aston Villa transfer bid in late twist ahead of deadline day
Liverpool have made a bid to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz before the close of the transfer window this week, according to reports.
Luiz, 24, has entered the final year of his deal at Villa Park and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Midlands in recent months. Links to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all emerged last January and more recently teams from Serie A such as Juventus and AS Roma have been credited with an interest in the player.
The midfielder has made over 100 Premier League appearances for Villa, scoring five goals for the club in the process and has reportedly been locked in negotiations with the club for several months regarding a new deal. According to The Daily Mail at the beginning of August, Luiz was set to sign a new three-year deal as talks between player and club entered an "advanced" stage at the time.
