Aston Villa are planning a move for RC Strasbourg star Martial Godo in the summer transfer window, with the French side now willing to sanction a sale.
Villa eyeing new winger despite Emery’s defence of Sancho
Jadon Sancho lost possession twice to give Sunderland a route back into the game at Villa Park on Sunday, before the winger was bailed out with a last-gasp Tammy Abraham winner, but Unai Emery was quick to defend the Manchester United loanee.
Emery said: “It is not his mistake. The mistake is how we did this action. If we did more passes, we could have avoided it. The idea in 90 minutes was through good positioning and keeping possession, trying to be patient. When we conceded one goal, we decided to go quickly. I am never punishing it.”
Sancho only appeared for ten minutes against the Black Cats, but he certainly didn’t do much to force his way into Emery’s plans, in what was a horror cameo for the left-winger.
Jadon Sancho’s key statistics vs Sunderland
1/3 passes completed (33%)
0/3 duels won
0/1 successful dribbles
1 error leading to goal
Earlier this year, it was revealed the Villans were planning a summer move for the 26-year-old, with Man United willing to part ways with the ex-Chelsea man on a permanent basis, but they have now set their sights on a different London-born left-winger.
According to a report from Sports Boom, Aston Villa are now plotting a move for Strasbourg star Godo, formerly of Fulham, with the French club prepared to open negotiations at around €45m – €50m (£39m – £44m).
With the Ivory Coast international under contract until 2030, the Ligue 1 side are in a strong negotiating position, and it is little wonder they are set to demand such a large fee, given the level of his performances in France and Europe this season.
Lauded as “amazing” by coach Harry Brooks, the 23-year-old has racked up a very impressive 20 goals and assists in 37 matches in all competitions, including seven in the Europa Conference League.
5,000 fewer fans expected at Villa Park next season
Aston Villa have announced the closure of the North Stand for the entirety of the 2026-27 season, in order to accelerate the redevelopment of Villa Park, which they want to expend to over 50,000.
As such, around 5,000 fewer fans are expected to be accommodated throughout the campaign, which will be particularly disappointing for the supporters that miss out on European nights.
The Villans are looking nailed-on to return to the Champions League next season, given that they are now ten points clear of Chelsea, and just three games away from winning the Europa League.