Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Culture

Man City and Aston Villa to face champions PSG

European champions Paris St-Germain will face Premier League duo Manchester City and Aston Villa in the league phase of this season's Champions League.

Man City and Aston Villa to face champions PSG

Aston Villa is experiencing turmoil following the departure of several high-profile players. The club, which recently celebrated its first major silverware in 30 years and a return to the Champions League, is now facing a major rebuild after a disappointing start to the season. Manager Unai Emery is tasked with rebuilding the team following the loss of key players such as goalkeeper Emi Martinez, center back Ezri Konsa, midfielders Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, and striker Ollie Watkins.

The departures also include left back Lucas Digne, who joined PSG. The club is reportedly close to signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea to replace Watkins, but the new signing is not as reliable. Villa manager Emery acknowledges the challenge of replacing such experienced players and emphasizes the team's ability to overcome past difficulties.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, the club Villa will face in their next match, recently defeated Manchester City 3-0 and starts its Premier League title defense with a win over Coventry. The transfer window has seen Premier League clubs spend a record $3.7 billion on new players.

Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at bbc.co.uk →

More in Culture

More from Thursday 27 August →