Aston Villa face competition from Tottenham in the race to sign £50m Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 24, who is also wanted by Atletico Madrid. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa have added two more games to their pre-season fixture list.
Unai Emery's side will travel to Slovakia to face top-flight club FC Spartak Trnava on Saturday, 20 July.
They will also take on Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao in Walsall on Wednesday, 7 August.
It adds to a 2024-25 pre-season calendar that also includes a three-match tour of the USA, as well as a domestic friendly against Walsall and a trip to beaten Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa have expressed an interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The 24-year-old will be subject to a summer of uncertainty as he enters the last year of his contract at Stamford Bridge - with no progress made in renewing his deal.
Villa join Chelsea’s rivals Tottenham in showing interest, but Gallagher remains open to staying at his boyhood club, who he signed for aged just eight.
Both Chelsea and Villa must factor Premier League profit and sustainability rules into their summer activity.
The sale of academy stars helps free up ‘pure profit’ allowing clubs to spend more freely, with Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen and Armando Broja among those who could be sold.
Chelsea have also previously expressed an interest in Villa striker Jhon Duran, 20, in January and continue to pursue further attacking signings.
They are also set to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, amid a reported medical at Cobham on Tuesday.
The club summer is off and running, so what's the first thing that needs sorting out at Aston Villa?
Is it a contract, a transfer, a fan issue or something else?
Aston Villa look set to complete a £5m deal to sign 30-year-old England midfielder Ross Barkley from Luton Town. (talkSPORT), external
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe passionate supporters will help Aston Villa "do well" in the Champions League next season, say the club's former winger Anwar El Ghazi.
Villa's outstanding season under boss Unai Emery saw them finish fourth in the table and will play in Europe's elite club competition for the first time in almost 40 years.
The Midlands side stunned German heavyweights Bayern Munich to win the European Cup in 1982 before shocking Barcelona to claim the Uefa Super Cup the following season.
El Ghazi played four seasons at Villa Park and was part of the squad promoted from the Championship in 2018-19.
Asked if he had thought back then that Villa would make it to the Champions League, El Ghazi told BBC Sport: "At that time, no.
"But I know the owners are really ambitious and were pushing not only to get into the Premier League but to be a top-six club too. They have achieved that, I am really proud of that because I am a Villa fan now.
"I am surprised by the manager who has done a great job and everyone loves him. If they play like they have done, it will be great, especially at Villa Park where the fans are the 12th man. They will do well.
“The fanbase is amazing, Villa Park is different and you really feel someone is behind you."
On Saturday, El Ghazi captained an XI against football organisation Nujum Sports in a charity match in London to raise funds for the children of Gaza.
The Dutchman had his contract cancelled at German side Mainz in November for a social media post about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
But things could have turned out differently had a move to Manchester United materialised last September.
“It was true we were in talks but there was nothing concrete," the 29-year-old said. "I was a free agent after leaving PSV and they were struggling to find wingers.
"They had issues with Antony and Mason Greenwood and I think they were exploring the market. It was close but unfortunately it didn’t go through."
Everton have registered their interest in re-signing 30-year-old Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley, but they are set to lose out to Aston Villa. (Football Insider), external
Aston Villa are interested in 24-year-old Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher. (Independent), external
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen to make a bid for 28-year-old Aston Villa and England forward Ollie Watkins, as a replacement for 24-year-old Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez. (Sun), external
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for Gent's 22-year-old defender Archie Brown. (Mirror), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Here is some more of your reaction to the news Unai Emery has signed a five-year contract until 2029 with Aston Villa.
James: This is absolutely fantastic news. He is the central pillar around which all beside him turn. His impact, influence and inspiration are what have given a group of capable players the belief to unleash their potential and discover a winning ethos which previously lay dormant.
Daniel: It says a lot about Unai's connection with the Villa that, despite there being umpteen managerial vacancies at big clubs this summer, no-one has approached him because they know he wouldn't leave.
SuperVillan: Great background staff, supporting our manager and team will take us higher even. This is because our owners are willing to pay the price for the best in every position - from tea person upwards.
Rob: Villa are building and has been since NSWE took control in 2019 and guided us back to the Premier League under Deano. Gerrard was a mistake and the previous CEO paid for that little ego trip with his job. They weren't about to make that same mistake again and, now they have a top, top coach, they want to keep him to build a dynasty. Champions League qualification was not an accident. UTV.
Peter: It’s like winning the cup - one of the best managers around and he’s ours! Smart move by the owners! Great times ahead, and we now need to watch for the surprise transfer they’ve probably been working behind the scenes on!
Isaac: Five years? Should have been for the next 30 if you ask me! Emery is a brilliant manager and has bought nothing but joy to Villa park. Next season will be a blast!
Aston Villa are not interested in another move for Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet, 28. The Frenchman has just finished a season-long loan at Villa Park. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
We asked for your reaction to the news Unai Emery has signed a five-year deal to extend his contract at Aston Villa until 2029.
Will: Best signing of the summer window! He has worked total wonders for Villa and is a true gentleman and will lead the club forwards on and off the pitch.
Dave: Wonderful news that every single Villa fan will be cheering. Quite simply, there is no one better to do the job, and the added lure of stability and Champions League will retain our best and recruit players who can strengthen us. We're in a great place and looking upwards.
Alan: Great news for the club especially with so many managerial vacancies not only here but around the rest of Europe. The Champions League will be a vastly different experience to the Conference League and Villa need to try to keep a very good squad fit and hopefully one or two additions in key areas.
Kuldip: Unai has almost absolute footballing control of the club. More importantly he is trusted by the hierarchy to continue the progression. He would not get anything like the same control across Europe. He knows and respects this. With the eventual demise of Man City Post Guardiola and the stagnation of Liverpool and Man Utd, Villa will win the league.
Stephen: Emery is right up there with the top names in football management. He’s proven he can handle the Premier League. He bettered what he did at Arsenal and they never gave him any time. It’s fantastic for Villa in every aspect. I am surprised but happy he hasn’t been mentioned for any of the top jobs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona.
Steve Hermon
BBC Radio WM Sport
If these times weren’t thrilling enough for Villa fans, Unai Emery committing his long-term future is a huge post season boost.
This news was not necessarily expected but if it comes with a wage increase, it’s thoroughly deserved following a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League and securing Champions League football for Villa after more than 40 years away from the top European competition.
It’s also reassuring for supporters. There haven’t been any signs that the 52-year-old wants to be anywhere else but success ignites interest and the Spaniard is an ambitious, serial winner. Crucially though, he has said he feels "at home" at Villa Park and it’s clear he calls the shots. The club’s owners have full faith in him to lead how he wants to and the players have become his disciples. Most excitingly, the project isn’t over here. The manager has said upon signing his new deal, there is "no limit to our dreams" and Villa fans are living it right now.
What do you think of the Emery deal? Tell us here, external
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa undoubtedly want to bolster their squad this summer after the superb achievement of reaching the Champions League – but the news that manager Unai Emery has agreed a new five-year contract is the most vital signature of all.
Emery extended his currently deal until 2027 in April but this was always with the intention of a longer-term extension once the season finished. Villa have wasted no time in tying up their inspirational manager for the future.
The Spaniard has overseen a stunning rejuvenation of Villa since succeeding sacked Steven Gerrard in October 2022, first guiding them into the Europa Conference League at the end of that campaign before putting the 1982 European Cup winners back in the elite group with a fourth place finish in the Premier League.
Emery’s new contract is a sign of ambition from Villa’s owners but also an indication of the faith he has in them, in partnership with long-time cohort, president of football operations Monchi.
Villa’s followers would almost certainly have settled for a move one rung up the ladder to the Europa League at the start of the season just past, the fact Emery has taken them into the Champions League was beyond their most optimistic expectations.
Emery has put Villa ahead of schedule but there will be no complaints as they mix in with the Champions League big names for the first time. They will feel confident of making an impact under a manager with such pedigree in the European environment.
He has already assumed hero status at Villa Park and it will be a source of joy to everyone as the club that Emery has now signed up until 2029.
Image source, Getty Images
Aston Villa can progress with "no limits to our dreams", says manager Unai Emery after the Spaniard signed a new five-year contract.
The 52-year-old, who joined Villa in October 2022, has won plaudits for the team's transformation as they reached the Champions League qualification places this term.
Chairman Nassef Sawiris said: “We are building something special here at Aston Villa with Unai at its core and we are delighted that he has signed a new deal with the club until 2029.
“As we move into our historic, 150th anniversary year, there is a lot to look forward to with Unai at the helm.”
Emery said: “There’s a great chemistry in Aston Villa. And the element of the fans’ support also makes the difference to feel like home. We are really excited to continue this journey with no limits to our dreams.”
What do you think of the news? What can Emery achieve in five years? Tell us here, external
Aston Villa have agreed a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, with 30-year-old English midfielder Ross Barkley, who can leave Luton Town after their relegation from the Premier League. (Football Insider), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, ReutersHow closely have you been paying attention to the Villa's outstanding Premier League season?
Check out our bespoke quiz - and see if your knowledge is in order.
Aston Villa are considering terminating the contract of midfielder Philippe Coutinho. (Givemesport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter
Has it been a season of progress, stagnation or indifference?
Progression – turbocharged. Villa’s achievement in reaching the European places last season was remarkable enough, only six months after Unai Emery’s arrival, but at the start of this campaign you wondered if their squad could handle both raised expectations and an expanded fixture list. They did rather more than just cope – they revelled in it.
Biggest success for club this season?
There were some extraordinary results. The twin victories against Manchester City and Arsenal at Villa Park within four days in December were performances of differing character but equally high class, surpassed only by their win at the Emirates Stadium in April. There were memorable European nights too. But perhaps the biggest success of all is the restoration of lost prestige, as one of England’s grandest old clubs regained its seat at the high table.
Biggest let down or frustration?
There has scarcely been a cloud in sight for Villa fans, really, but there may be a few small regrets that they didn’t claim the Conference League trophy for which they were heavy favourites from the start. By the time of the semi-final, Villa were all but exhausted. But the fans who were preparing for a return trip to Athens next week have the ample consolation of at least four Champions League trips in prospect later in the year.
Key item on the summer agenda?
Villa sustained their effort admirably – especially after losing two key players with the season barely started – but always seemed close to the edge, one more ill-timed injury to the wrong player away from serious consequences. They may not exceed this season’s total of 56 games next time round, but the standards demanded will be even higher. Can Villa, while remaining mindful of the spending rules, expand the squad without diluting the quality?
What do you think? How can Villa strengthen for the Champions League?
We asked you to select your Aston Villa player of the season from the four candidates chosen by our fan contributor.
After voting in your thousands, we can reveal the winner is... Ollie Watkins!
Image source, Getty ImagesAnd here's what Richard Sutherland from The Villa Park Podcast, external had to say about your winner when the vote opened on 15 May...
"What can you say about Ollie? Some 19 Premier League goals for Villa in a season, 13 league assists, 27 goals in all competitions - he has fully established himself as one of the best strikers in the top flight."
And here is how the votes went for the other 19 Premier League clubs
