Aston Villa track Zabiri as Emery faces Forest test
Stan Collymore said Villa were 'nuts' not to move for Archie Brown after his goal for Fenerbahce, with Matteo Ruggeri yet to start in the Premier League.
Al-Hilal have shortlisted Unai Emery as a possible Simone Inzaghi successor, but no contact has been made. Emery is happy at Villa and under contract until 2029.
Villa loanee Samuel Iling-Junior is struggling to make an impact at Bolton, echoing his difficult West Brom spell, despite regular minutes on the right wing.
Villa are monitoring Morocco U20 star Yassir Zabiri for January. The Rennes striker, on loan at Racing Santander, won the 2025 U20 World Cup Golden Ball and could cost £20m.
Villa’s reported €55m bid for Martin Baturina falls short, with Como now wanting €80m after the Croatian’s impressive displays and rising valuation.
Former Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel is set to join the board if Scott Davidson’s proposed takeover of Shrewsbury Town is completed in the coming weeks.
Garnacho’s slow Villa start has prompted Harvey Elliott comparisons, but Emery’s backing, George Hemmings’ form and an appearance-linked obligation shape the picture.
Zion Suzuki has impressed after joining Villa as No 1. The Japan keeper signed until 2031 on £65,000 a week, with a deal worth up to £30m and annual costs rising above £6m.
Alysson is earning Villa minutes and impressed defensively at Club Brugge, but the winger must add goals and assists to hold off competition and stay in Emery’s plans.
Villa host Forest seeking a first league win, but Emery has never beaten Oliver Glasner in seven meetings, losing five. Forest are also winless, with Morgan Gibbs-White a key threat.
