Latest news with #AstonVilla
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'No approach or talks' – Romano shuts down reports of Chelsea's interest in Premier League star
'No approach or talks' – Romano shuts down reports of Chelsea's interest in Premier League star Chelsea are not among the clubs in 'active talks' to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are once again expected to be busy this summer and have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich. Advertisement Chelsea are thought to be close to agreeing a deal for Jamie Gittens, whilst they are also looking for a centre back and versatile attacker to strengthen Enzo Maresca's squad. Chelsea not in talks to sign Emi Martinez Whilst a striker was the main priority, the majority of Chelsea supporters would like to see the club sign a new goalkeeper. Chelsea have had uncertainty between the sticks over the last two seasons, and no goalkeeper made more errors leading to goals in the Premier League than Robert Sanchez last season. The Blues were strongly linked with a move for Mike Maignan earlier this month, but weren't prepared to get near AC Milan's £20-£25m valuation. Chelsea aren't interested in Martinez despite links. (Photo by) Advertisement It's thought Chelsea won't go back in for Maignan this summer, but they've also been linked with Martinez, although Romano has now provided an update. He took to and said: 'Chelsea are not among clubs in active talks to sign Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez this summer. 'No approach or talks as Chelsea respect Martínez but their focus is on different positions.' Villa are believed to have set their asking price at £40m for Martinez, and the World Cup winner kept nine clean sheets in 37 Premier League appearances. Djordje Petrovic set to leave Chelsea fans would loved to have seen Djordje Petrovic as number one next season after the Serb excelled at sister club Strasbourg last season. Advertisement More Stories / Latest News 'No approach or talks' – Romano shuts down reports of Chelsea's interest in Premier League star 28th Jun 2025, 08:45am Ben Jacobs reveals what position Estevao Willian wants to play for Chelsea 28th Jun 2025, 08:15am 'An open story this summer' – Romano provides interesting update on future of 11 g/a Chelsea star 28th Jun 2025, 07:45am Petrovic, who was named Strasbourg's Player of the Season was expected to challenge for the number one shirt next season. However, that seems unlikely after the 25-year-old was left out of the Club World Cup squad, and it's believed Chelsea have an agreement with Petrovic that he can leave for £25m, with Monaco and Galatasaray said to be among the interested clubs.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea and Man Utd 'get Emi Martinez transfer message' as sale stance emerges
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Emi Martinez this summer but Chelsea have also been sounded out about a transfer swoop for the Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez remains keen on an exit from Aston Villa this summer and both Chelsea and Manchester United are said to have been given 'encouragement' over a move from the Argentine's camp. Martinez, 32, has established himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers since joining Villa from Arsenal. But there are doubts over his long-term future and it's understood that he is keen on a move ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Manchester United have been heavily linked with Martinez amid the ongoing scrutiny over Andre Onana 's position at Old Trafford. It had been claimed via reports in Argentina, via The Metro, that Chelsea - and Maresca in particular - were keen on the idea of challenging their old rivals for Martinez's signature. Furthermore, The Mail claim that both the Blues and United have been given encouragement from Martinez's representatives over a potential move for his services this summer, with Villa ready to consider a sale if they receive serious offers for their current No.1. It's been outlined elsewhere, though, that Chelsea are not currently targeting Martinez as they are focused on strengthening in other positions. Chelsea have already attempted to sign Mike Maignan, the AC Milan keeper, this summer only for talks over a potential deal to collapse due to the Italian giants' demands. Reports have since indicated that Chelsea are happy with their current goalkeeping options, consisting of Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders, with Djordje Petrovic seeking a transfer to continue playing regular first-team football. A move for Martinez - or any other goalkeeper for that matter - would represent a major U-turn for the Blues, whose current No.1 in Sanchez was subjected to criticism during the 2024-25 campaign. Martinez is understood to have already received proposals from ambitious clubs in the Saudi Pro League, however, he is not sold on the idea of moving to the Middle East this stage of his career and would prefer to keep playing at an elite level in Europe. His interest in a transfer to Manchester United has been well documented in recent weeks, thought any deal would likely be difficult given the Red Devils missed out on qualifying for the Champions League and will have to cut their cloth accordingly in the transfer market with big-money deals for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo likely to eat up a large portion of their summer transfer budget. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano confirms Atletico Madrid decision on Andy Robertson
Atletico Madrid are planning a change of transfer direction in the coming days following an update from Liverpool. Diego Simeone is rumoured to be looking at several transfer targets to bolster his squad following a disappointing FIFA Club World Cup campaign. Advertisement Atletico Madrid's group stage exit in the USA has sharpened focus on what Simeone needs to do in the summer transfer market. Left back has been highlighted as a key area to be improved with Andy Robertson emerging as Simeone's rumoured No.1 option. Atletico Madrid receive Andy Robertson transfer update From the start of their interest in the Scotland international, Atletico Madrid outlined their stance of looking for a cut price deal, with the 31-year-old into the final year of his contract at Anfield. Initial estimates claimed Liverpool would accept an offer in the region of £5m, as a cheaper option to Aston Villa's Lucas Digne, but that was not accepted by Los Rojiblancos. Advertisement Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has since offered an update on the situation with a hint that patience has run out in Madrid as Robertson delays his call. 'We don't expect Andy Robertson to go to Atletico Madrid anymore,' Romano stated on his YouTube channel. 'Robertson was a candidate, a strong candidate, for Atletico Madrid. They had concrete conversations, then the player was taking his time to decide his future, also out of respect for Liverpool, where he's still loving the club, the fan base and all the people at the club. 'It's important to say Atletico Madrid, as I told you several times, wanted to pay a very small transfer fee or a free transfer for Robertson from Liverpool, so that was not possible.' Robertson's apparent desire to stay on Merseyside has enabled Simeone to explore other options on the left side of his defence with a possible bid incoming for Atalanta's Matteo Ruggeri next month.
Metro
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal consider surprise bid for £32m Chelsea star
Arsenal have included Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson on their list of striker targets for the summer transfer window, according to reports. Mikel Arteta has made the signing of a new striker one of his top priorities for the summer window and Arsenal have already begun talks for both Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal also failed with a £60 million bid to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in the January transfer window but the 29-year-old remains on their shortlist. Jackson, meanwhile, has scored 30 goals in 80 appearances for Chelsea following his £31.8m move from Villarreal in 2023, but the 24-year-old has been criticised for his lack of consistency during his time at Stamford Bridge. According to Duncan Castles, who was speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Arsenal have Jackson on their summer shortlist and Chelsea would be open to selling the striker having already signed Liam Delap for £30m from Ipswich Town this month. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But Arsenal are said to be holding out for a deal which represents the best value and are yet to make a final decision over which striker they will sign. 'Mikel Arteta last season wanted to work with a tight squad, a small squad, because he thought that would give him the optimum chance of winning, the Premier League, it proved to be wrong, a whole host of injuries and also suspension issues,' Castles said. 'He's changed his stance and wants a big squad and they're going about it in all kinds of areas. 'Viktor Gyokeres has basically told Sporting he's not going to play or train for them again unless they let him go at the price of €60 million plus €10m in bonuses that was agreed at the end of last season's transfer window, big fight with the president there. 'He is one of four candidates to be the new striker at Arsenal. 'Benjamin Sesko has been a key figure in their list of targets. One of the issues is Sesko has been asking for a release clause to be added to a contract that he would sign with Arsenal, which is something that Arsenal are not keen on for obvious reasons. 'Ollie Watkins… Arsenal explored sighting him in January, Aston Villa said, 'no, you will not be taking our key forward at that point'. But Watkins, I'm told, would be open to a move to Arsenal. 'Whether that will emerge, you'd like to play for continue playing for club in the Champions League but play for club with the possibility winning the Premier League title, if Arsenal were to offer Aston Villa a sum that would be acceptable to them. 'And then there's one more name that I've become aware of this week which may come as a surprise which is Nicholas Jackson, the Chelsea striker who's had an interesting time in his two years at Chelsea. 'Chelsea have always been looking for either adding somewhere else in that position or replacing him totally. More Trending 'Chelsea say they're not actively looking to sell Jackson in this window but he's not one of the 'untouchable' figures within the squad, so were a big enough offer to come in they would consider selling him. 'The guidance I have on where Arsenal are on this is this broad range of options as deliberate, they want to ensure that they get a centre forward for Arteta in this window and don't fail like they did last summer. 'They will do one of these deals. They are telling the representatives of the players involved that what it will come down to is the deal that they believe makes the best sense to the club, dependent on the financial terms they can secure with the player and with certain players such as Gyokeres, the personal terms are already agreed, and what they can secure with the selling club. 'It is very much best deal on all parameters once all parameters are assessed they are trying to get one of them in the door and nothing is settled yet.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Man Utd sent latest transfer message by Real Betis over 'complex' Antony deal MORE: Ashley Cole sends warning to fans over 'great' Chelsea player MORE: £70m England star makes transfer decision amid Chelsea and Man Utd interest
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Marcus Rashford sees his future as a No 9. Is that the best use of his skill set?
Marcus Rashford probably needs a change of scenery to revitalise his career, but might a permanent change in position prove just as effective? Deployed off the left wing for large parts of his time at Manchester United, where his searing pace and excellent ball-carrying come to the fore, Rashford now believes he's ready to lead the line. Advertisement 'For me, playing as a No 9 is becoming more comfortable, more natural,' he told Spanish YouTube channel xBuyer. His standing at United looks increasingly shaky, with manager Ruben Amorim questioning his attitude and sending him on loan to Aston Villa for the second half of last season. But a fit and firing Rashford as a central striker remains a tantalising prospect, one that might even give Amorim pause for thought. It's easy to forget that United got off to a fast start under Amorim, with Rashford — starting up top — firing them ahead after two minutes against Ipswich Town in late November 2024. Displaying keen centre-forward instincts, he made a darting run to the edge of the six yard, getting to Amad's cross just before Ipswich keeper Arijanet Muric and poking home. It's also worth pointing out that Rashford has spent a decent chunk of his United career playing as a striker, at least on paper anyway. Since 2018-19, over a third of his league minutes have come as a centre-forward, as shown in the positional map below. But despite his early contribution at Portman Road, the match finished 1-1 and Amorim was unconvinced by his suitability as a No 9. 'That position is not the best for him,' he said, adding that Rashford's relative lack of physicality made it feel like he was 'fighting with two giants.' Amorim isn't alone in this view. Across his career, managers have almost unanimously preferred Rashford cutting in from the left, a sentiment echoed by Unai Emery during his productive loan at Aston Villa. 'Preferably, his best position is on the left, running from there,' the Spaniard said. The numbers bear this out. His goalscoring rate is noticeably stronger from the left: he averages around four goals every 10 league games in that position, compared to closer to three when leading the line. This obvious preference for one side of the pitch is something he'll need to overcome if he wants to evolve into a complete striker, one who can hurt teams across the width of the pitch. Even when deployed through the middle, he struggles to shake his natural instinct to drift wide. The graphic below shows his share of touches when playing as a centre-forward, compared to the Premier League average for players in that role. While natural strikers take around nine per cent of their touches in the central zone directly in front of goal, Rashford's figure is almost half that. It's not just about getting into those more right-sided areas; it's about delivering impact once he's there, and Rashford struggles to generate high-quality chances when attacking the right channel. His shot maps across left, central, and right-sided roles show a clear decline in chance quality the further he moves across the pitch. As a right-sided attacker, his xG per shot falls to just 0.08, compared to 0.14 on the left. The difference reflects Rashford's greater ability to create separation on the left. His sharpness when cutting inside onto his right foot gives him the space to get shots away cleanly. He lacks that same advantage on the right, where 40 per cent of his shots are blocked, almost double the rate from the left third (22 per cent). Advertisement Rashford's goalscoring variety clearly still needs work, but the fact he's shown he can deliver top-end numbers, albeit only in isolated seasons, bodes well for his potential transition to a full-time centre-forward role. As recently as February 2023, then-United manager Erik ten Hag described him as one of the best strikers in Europe, during a campaign in which he scored 30 goals across all competitions. He played 1,258 league minutes as a striker that season — his highest total in the last six years. Rashford's increased time playing centrally helped boost his goal tally that season, but he also benefited from a more consistent and creative supply line behind him. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once spoke of United's need for a striker who would 'break his nose to score', someone with poacher's instincts and the movement to find high-quality chances close to goal. That's not naturally Rashford's game. His SkillCorner run profile shows that just 15 per cent of his runs as a centre-forward are made to receive crosses — well below the Premier League average of 24 per cent for that position. But even for centre-forwards who consistently attack crosses, United haven't regularly created the kind of chances that reward those runs. The volume of back-post chances has generally been low, limiting the service for central forwards. That changed in 2022-23. Rashford scored four of his nine career league goals from inside the six-yard box during that season alone, a spike that coincided with United producing their highest number of back-post chances (41) since 2018-19. But since that stellar season, it's not just back-post chances that Rashford has struggled to find. The arrival of Rasmus Hojlund has pushed him further out to the left again, and the graphic below showing near-post runs per 90, highlights just how the Danish striker has dominated United's near-post movements. Rashford himself explained to The Overlap just how difficult it is to arrive at the right time from a wider position: 'When you're on the left wing, if you're late, sometimes making the back post is a 20-30 yard sprint. If the striker pulls to the back and you've got to go across the front, then it's another 15 yards.' Advertisement Tactical decisions and a lack of team-wide creativity have limited Rashford's opportunities to showcase his centre-forward credentials at United, even if it's still unclear whether he truly fits the role. But there were encouraging signs in his loan spell at Aston Villa. After a string of promising performances as a substitute, Unai Emery handed Rashford a start up front against Preston North End in the FA Cup, and was immediately rewarded, with Rashford scoring twice in a 3-0 win. Emery was quickly converted from his previous stance, saying they would now use 'him as a striker and try to compete with (Ollie) Watkins.' Rashford went on to play his final eight Villa games as a No 9 before a hamstring injury cut short what was shaping up to be a compelling audition. The highlight of this spell came in Villa's exhilarating 3-2 second-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain, where an effervescent Rashford had the PSG defensive line in disarray with his sharp movement, menacing take-ons, and intelligent link-up play. As The Athletic's player dashboard shows, Rashford operated across the width of the pitch on that night when Villa fell agonisingly short of taking the eventual champions to extra time, losing 5-4 on aggregate. His 12 touches in the box were the most of any player, a sign that his centre-forward instincts are sharpening, yet he still had the licence to drift and impact the game from out wide. He set up Ezri Konsa's goal with a cross from the right after bursting past his marker with a clever nutmeg. He was superb off the ball too, with his intelligent movement creating space for the midfielders behind him. For Aston Villa's opening goal, Rashford ran onto a pass from Youri Tielemans and quickly laid it off to John McGinn on the edge of the area. Then, like an experienced centre-forward, he immediately drove into the box, his powerful central run dragging centre-back Willian Pacho with him and opening up space for Tielemans on the left-hand side of the area, giving the Belgian time and space to get off a shot that deflected in off Pacho. Rashford's Manchester United career hasn't always suggested that his future lies as a centre-forward. But his promising, if short-lived, stint at Villa hints that he may be evolving into someone capable of thriving there. For that reason alone, it's surely an experiment worth revisiting.
