Author: James Brooks

Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will miss an extended period of action after sustaining a back injury during the World Cup with France. The 25-year-old had been managing the problem for several weeks before the tournament, choosing to play through the discomfort rather than withdraw from international duty. Saliba was forced off after just 30 minutes of France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, bringing his World Cup campaign to a premature and painful end. He subsequently missed France’s bronze medal match, which ended in defeat to England, as his condition was assessed by medical staff. Upon returning to London,…

Villa are understood to be weighing up a move for Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe, with the club’s scouts said to be keen on the player. Reports suggest that those sent to watch Rowe have come back with positive feedback, with scouts described as “very impressed by him” following their observations. Rowe has developed into one of the more eye-catching attacking players outside the Premier League, drawing attention from clubs looking to strengthen their wide options. Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has built a reputation for developing young offensive talent, making a winger of Rowe’s profile a logical target…

Arsenal are reportedly targeting Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as the summer transfer window continues to produce major movement across the Premier League. The Gunners have been linked with a number of attacking reinforcements as manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of a renewed title challenge next season. Rashford, who has endured a difficult period at Old Trafford, has emerged as a name attracting interest from several top-flight clubs looking to capitalise on his uncertain future. Chelsea have moved decisively in the window, confirming the signing of Rogers as the west London club push ahead with their…

Abraham has made clear he has no intention of leaving Aston Villa, dismissing suggestions that he could be heading for the exit door this season. The England striker has been linked with a number of clubs in recent months, but his stance appears to be firmly set on remaining at Villa Park. Abraham came through the Chelsea academy before establishing himself as one of the more prolific strikers of his generation in English football. His time in Italy with Roma gave him considerable experience at the highest level of European football, sharpening his ability in and around the penalty area.…

Villa put in a commanding pre-season performance against Walsall, running out emphatic 5-0 winners in a one-sided friendly encounter. Unai Emery’s side showed plenty of early-season intent, dismantling their lower-league opponents with a display that will have pleased the coaching staff. Pre-season friendlies offer managers the opportunity to assess squad depth, experiment with formations, and ease key players back into competitive action. Villa have been among the more ambitious clubs in English football in recent years, consistently pushing for European qualification under Emery’s stewardship. A five-goal haul against Walsall, who compete at a significantly lower level of the football pyramid,…

Chelsea’s first-team squad under new manager Xabi Alonso could contain twice as many Manchester City academy graduates as players developed at Cobham. The latest addition is club record signing Morgan Rogers, who cost £117m and scored against Chelsea’s Under-18s in the 2020 FA Youth Cup final. Cole Palmer, another City academy product, was also on target that night in City’s 3-2 victory, while Liam Delap led the line for the opposition. Romeo Lavia, Jamie Gittens and Tosin Adarabioyo all also came through City’s youth system and now find themselves part of Alonso’s plans at Stamford Bridge. Together with Rogers, Palmer…

Villa are set to face Walsall in a pre-season friendly, giving Unai Emery the chance to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign. Pre-season friendlies offer managers valuable opportunities to experiment with different formations, rotations, and new signings before competitive fixtures begin. Aston Villa have been one of England’s most ambitious clubs in recent seasons, competing at the highest level in both domestic and European competition. A match against lower-league opposition like Walsall gives fringe players a vital platform to stake their claim for a place in the first-team picture. Villa’s academy talent will also be hoping to catch…

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has made clear he wants both Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson to remain at Anfield ahead of the new season. Mac Allister, 27, signed a five-year contract when he joined Liverpool from Brighton in 2023, leaving him with two years remaining on his current deal. The Argentina international has yet to begin talks over a contract extension, which has fuelled speculation linking him with a summer departure from the club. Iraola addressed the situation directly at a news conference in Chicago at the start of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States. “I think Alexis…

Chelsea have completed the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record transfer fee of £117 million. Rogers returned from the United States on Monday, having featured for England at the World Cup, to undergo a medical in London before signing a six-year contract with an option for a further year. “I’m joining the biggest club in London,” Rogers said in his announcement video, adding that the club’s direction felt “perfect” for him. “The way the club wants to go and how it wants to move forward is something I want to be a part…

Walsall are preparing to host Aston Villa in what promises to be a fascinating cup encounter between two clubs from very different points of the football spectrum. The Saddlers will be eager to cause an upset against their more illustrious West Midlands neighbours, making team selection a critical factor ahead of the match. Aston Villa, competing at the highest level of English football, are expected to rotate their squad given the demands of a congested fixture schedule in 2026. For Walsall, every available player will be needed as they look to rise to the occasion against top-flight opposition at the…