Real Madrid have reportedly added Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to their shortlist of candidates to take over the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants are beginning their search for a successor to Alvaro Arbeloa, whose tenure appears to be coming to an end as Los Blancos face back-to-back seasons without a major trophy.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery produced a classic deadpan moment during his pre-match duties that left midfielder Youri Tielemans struggling to keep a straight face. As the Spaniard shut down questions regarding potential suspensions, his blunt delivery sparked a wave of laughter in the media room ahead of their Europa League quarter-final second leg clash against Italian side Bologna.

Jack Grealish has seen an emotional return to Aston Villa speculated on, with Gareth Barry telling GOAL who will have the final say on a stunning homecoming transfer. The England international playmaker has spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Everton from Manchester City, with a permanent deal somewhere expected to be agreed in the next window.

Unai Emery has provided an injury update on Emiliano Martinez after the Aston Villa goalkeeper was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up just moments before kick-off against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The World Cup winner was initially named in the XI for the Premier League clash at the City Ground but had to be replaced by Marco Bizot after suffering a setback during his pre-match preparations.

Aston Villa are being backed to complete a memorable double in 2026, with Champions League qualification being secured through their Premier League standing and a first trophy win in 30 years. Former Villans defender Richard Dunne has told GOAL how landing major silverware and finishing strongly in top-flight competition can help to keep Unai Emery on board.

Tammy Abraham has backed Aston Villa to remain in the Premier League title race and challenge leaders Arsenal, claiming Villa are still in with a chance and must "keep pushing" to hunt down the Gunners and Manchester City. Abraham's 88th-minute equaliser earned Unai Emery's side a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds United on Saturday and left the Villans seven points off the top before the top two return to action later in the weekend.