BirminghamLive’s daily roundup of all things Aston Villa, with updates on Douglas Luiz and a new partnership.
James Chester grew up a Manchester United fan, but he now follows Aston Villa more closely, feeling enormous joy in having contributed to the club’s revitalization.
At Villa Park, he is regarded as a hero for his selfless contributions to the club’s quest to regain promotion to the Premier League. Chester even made lifelong sacrifices for the cause and permanently harmed his body while serving as a consummate professional for Villa during their most difficult years over the last few decades.
After joining the club in the summer of 2016 following Villa’s relegation to the Championship, the centre-back made 126 appearances in claret and blue. His dedication was unparalleled, having played every minute of league football during his first two seasons at the club, and he fought through discomfort in 2018/19 despite Villa’s lack of a promotion push.
V Sports is apparently close to finalising a collaboration between Aston Villa and Real Union, in which Unai Emery owns a controlling stake.
The Villa manager purchased a majority ownership in the third-tier team two and a half years ago. Union is a LaLiga founding team that has struggled in recent years.
Union has remained in Spain’s third level since their relegation from the second division in the 2009/10 season. Emery’s father and grandfather both played for the Irundarra squad, which is only three miles from where the 52-year-old grew up.
Nassef Sawiris is planning an interesting relocation.
Luiz heirloom
Brazil national team coach Fernando Diniz feels Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa can be part of a new-look Selecao as the five-time World Cup champions enter a new era.
Luiz has been in outstanding form for Villa over the last year, winning the club’s player of the year title last season. The 25-year-old’s last outing for Brazil came in October 2021 against Uruguay, and he has been passed over for a call-up ever since.
Diniz brought Luiz back into the squad ahead of November internationals against Colombia and Argentina, both of which are crucial World Cup qualifiers. During his press conference on Monday, the interim Brazil manager was asked about Luiz’s inclusion.
Arsenal are apparently interested in Fluminense midfielder Andre, as well as Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz.
According to the Brazilian newspaper UOL, Arsenal has been keeping tabs on Andre in recent months. Liverpool and Fulham, on the other hand, are thought to be interested, with the latter leading the race.
If the Gunners are unable to sign Andre, they may turn their focus back to the in-form Luiz in the new year. Mikel Arteta has always admired Luiz, who has been in superb form under Unai Emery.
Matt Lowton, a former Aston Villa right-back, has joined Witton Albion in the English Football League’s eighth division.
The 34-year-old became a free agent after leaving Burnley at the end of last season, bringing an end to an eight-year stay at Turf Moor.
He formerly played for Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, and Aston Villa. From 2012 to 2015, he spent three seasons at B6.
READ: Former Villa player shocks eighth-tier move
