The wonderkids who could save Aston Villa millions, Pedro Gonçalves transfer truth and North Stand

The wonderkids who could save Aston Villa millions, Pedro Gonçalves transfer truth and North Stand
We’re close to the end-of-season run-in at Aston Villa as Unai Emery looks to steer the club to their first top-ten finish in 12 years. It’s West Ham next up this weekend where Villa will be without their influential midfield lynchpin, Boubacar Kamara . Calum Chambers was the Frenchman’s replacement following his injury last weekend and it remains to be seen if the ex-Arsenal man will be given the nod to start in the capital on Sunday.
Here, Ashley Preece sits down with supporters to run through the big talking points of the week, which includes those currently out on loan while season ticket holders in the North Stand want to know where they’ll be moved to once construction work begins later this summer. Here’s the best of this week’s Q&A, below… Hazavfc: Any truth in the links to Pedro Goncalves? I feel like he could be a great addition… Pedro Goncalves celebrates after scoring Sporting's third goal during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Midtjylland and Sporting CP Ashley says: Yeah, there appears to be some legs with that one. Villa scouts were definitely at his most-recent Europa League game at Midtjylland.
He'd have certainly been the pick from that one as well with his two-goal showing. There's a lot of interest in him and his price tag will only rise should he do the business against Arsenal across the next couple of weeks. Gonçalves fits the bill; a technical winger who carries a real goal threat.
Certainly on Villa's list for the summer. It'll all depend on who else is in for him. 16 goals and 8 assists this season from his 36 games.
Not bad, eh. You're talking big-money, though, Haz. Still got 3 years on his Sporting contract.
Rdl58: Really concerned on Saturday watching Unai instructing his players to 'calm' the play, whilst some sections of the crowd were demanding the opposite. Some jeers and boo's thrown in as well. This was a game we won, had complete control of and kept Emi's gloves clean.
When it doesn't go well, and there'll be times it won't, what happens? Seems to me Unai's style is slow, slow, slow. . .
. . bang! As we saw with the goal.
We've got a top quality manager and we'll need to be patient as he moulds his squad and style of play. Those of us old enough and lucky enough to have watched Ron Saunders build two great teams (77 and 81), can remember the building phase wasn't always pretty. In fact, 78, 79 and 80 weren't great at all, but that's when he dismantled one team and built another.
It took time, as it always does. Ashley says: Exactly that. What was it, 19 seconds back to front for the goal, exactly the same for Coutinho's goal against Arsenal.
Fans just need to be that little bit more patient. It's Emery's way of playing and we all need to get used to it. Certainly doing the trick on the road; fans at VP need to support the players with what's being asked.
Like you say, Martinez had naff all to do; clean sheet, three points, onto the next one. If Emery can emulate close to what Ron Saunders achieved then that would be quite something, eh mate. READ MORE: Aston Villa transfer target has 'multiple offers' amid Barcelona interest NOTEBOOK: Youth star on winning team at Bodymoor Heath, Holte End plans and Rory Wilson Trentaus: Very unfortunate with Kamara out but I feel like Dendoncker can step up in that spot.
Obviously, not as effective as I feel like it will be make or break for him if he can’t produce or play his role. I don’t think Chambers can fill that spot well but can do a job. Really hoping Villa can get 6 pts before the break to place them in the top half.
Fingers crossed. Ashley says: A huge blow, Trent. Villa will certainly feel Kamara's absence in that midfield area; a classy and cool operator on the ball.
So hard to replace; thankful there's an international break coming up, I guess. The West Ham game would suit Dendoncker given West Ham's physicality in the middle, plus their threat from set-plays. I'm not sure if he's returned to training just yet, though, waiting for an update.
It could well turn out to be Chambers in there. West Ham and Bournemouth, big chance to cement a top-half spot before the international break, pal. Naz1973: Of the young lads on loan, who's gonna break through? Barry seems to have stalled while Finn Azaz… is he good enough for the Premier League? Aston Villa midfielder Finn Azaz, on loan at Plymouth Argyle (Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Ashley says: Yeah; the loan lads fascinate me.
Spot on about Barry, we'll see what happens with him in the summer. Such an exciting talent but struggling to get his goals/assists numbers up. Azaz is developing into a proper player.
A late bloomer, Azaz, who could well be the dark horse for Villa in pre-season; Emery could really like him. A great size as well, comfortable in possession. Really hopeful about Azaz, mate.
Archer. . .
what will happen with Cam? Philogene's done well at Cardiff but feel he'll move on. Iroegbunam has got a chance; I know Gerrard really took a liking to him previously. Bogarde, Chrisene and A.
Ramsey will probably head out again - all three have got a chance, though, later down the line. As for the rest, probably played their last game in a Villa shirt. AaronT77: We continue to be linked with different players every day but how many of them are realistic targets and would our focus / strategy or targets actually change should there be a new sporting director incoming? In other words - players we are linked with now will be a far cry from the reality of who we actually sign should a new sporting director come in (Guendouzi probably the exception given links to UE)? From those linked there seems to be a general leaning towards younger players with an ability to develop further and may also sell on for profit in the future - am I reading the room right or way off the mark? Kamara will be a massive miss and highlights the work needed in the summer to not only enhance the first 11 but also strengthen the options available for when players become unavailable from what would be considered "the first 11" - a record breaking summer window incoming I hope… Ashley says: Re transfers, you're right, there's been another shift in Villa's strategy; Villa will target exciting young talent again as opposed to experienced-big-salary signings under Gerrard previously.
Emery likes to mould players into his system. If you're asking me now. .
. I expect Guendouzi to happen. Villa do also have Goncalves and Moleiro on their list of winger targets.
In short; you're spot on with how you're reading it. I'm excited by what's to come in the summer, I really am. As for Kamara, I suspect we're really going to feel his absence.
He does a lot of unnoticed work alongside Dougie. Massive loss. Like you say, Villa need more options; the squad is wafer-thin as it is.
Plenty to happen in the summer, mate, for sure! Trevvyxx: Who would you pick to cover Kamara? I think Young would do a good job there as he can carry the ball forward like Kamara and he can see a good pass and not just hit and hope. I also think there are some big decisions to make with young loan players in the summer i. e.
Archer Barry etc. Ashley says: Young would get dominated by Rice and Soucek. I'd probably throw Chambers in just to give Villa that physicality in there.
I'd keep McGinn wide right. It's going to have to be a really strong defensive shift from Villa at the weekend. Re loans, massive decisions.
. . I'd say Archer-Azaz-Iroegbunam ahead of the pack at present to 'make it'.
Villa could bank some profit on a few - although they'll take a huge hit on Wesley (still without a league goal this season in Spanish second tier). No way Levante will fork out that £13m buy option. Chosen in 1957: I think it's proving an inspired decision to send Cam Archer and Aaron Ramsay to this very progressive and exciting Middlesbrough setup.
They are definitely in the frame for automatic promotion and the experience can only be of massive benefit to both of our academy stars. I was really impressed with Ramse’s man of the match performance and 2 goals on Saturday. His first goal was particularly impressive and I feel that he has the potential to go all the way to the top.
Have you any feedback regarding how well they are doing up there and how far do you think that they can take the Boro. Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer (L) with Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images) Ashley says: Yeah, linking back up with Aaron Danks has been a bonus as well. Chuffed for them and hope they get up.
Ever since the Ramsey brothers burst onto the scene, it's been Aaron who's attracted the most hype. He's always been viewed as the better one of the two. Jacob developed quicker and filled out; Aaron's starting to do that and to make a success of spells at Norwich and now Boro - two big clubs - is some going.
You ask the England coaches at the FA as well and Aaron Ramsey has always been seen as a future senior England player. He's getting closer to realising his potential now. I wouldn't put it past AJ starting for Villa on the opening day of next season, should his development continue.
Dean Smith took a real liking to him if you remember and he was close to making his PL debut. He can certainly go all of the way and wouldn't it be something for Jacob and Aaron to be lining up together at Villa Park. I'll check in with my colleague up on Teesside and will report back on what Carrick's been saying and whether Boro would like to keep them should they seal promotion.
Archer and Aaron, though, could well save Villa millions in the summer should Emery wish to reinstate them amongst his first team. Karl1979: I was wondering if the club had considered turning the Holte End into safe standing when the North Stand gets knocked down as then we wouldn’t have to drop our capacity while the new stand is built. I believe a safe standing setup allows for more space than seats.
Ashley says: It's funny you mention safe standing as I've been chasing an update from the club. They're going to bring it in for away fans in the Doug Ellis first off and, afterwards, the Lower Holte to help with the closure of the North Stand due to its redevelopment. You're right, it'll enable more tickets which will also hopefully be that little bit cheaper.
I'm going to chase safe standing in the Holte today. Villa are due to communicate with fans in the coming weeks re North Stand development timeline. I'll see what's what, mate.
Ryanc: Ashley Young has been amazing when called upon, I'd say it's either him or Chambers to fill in for Kamara for West Ham. Thoughts? Is there any talk of a contract extension for Young or even taking him into the coaching setup? Lastly, it’s great to see McGinn flying again under Emery. I'd say he's safe for being with us next year.
Is there a player you think will be moved on in summer that will come as a surprise? I'd hate to say but I feel it could be JJ unless he finds his form (I really hope he stays!) Ashley says: Youngy has been great, hasn't he; slotted into that central midfield area before but, given West Ham's height, I can't see it happening on Sunday. Would you give Ash a new contract, Ryan? It's something I want to ask the manager tomorrow. It's a no-brainer for me.
I'd go with Chambers on Sunday. Re McGinn, Villa turned down an approach by West Ham last summer. .
. As for a surprise exit. .
. I can't think of one; Bailey perhaps?! Hard to say, pal. JJ’s gone backwards a little for me, needs to find his mojo again.
He's still young so we need to expect these little dips in form. He's been fine but, like you say, expect that little bit more of late. I think he'll start at the weekend.
AVFCRegan: Losing Bouba is a massive blow but it could have been much much worse. I think Calum should come in to replace him personally as he shone there for Fulham a few years back! He looked OK against Palace, too! How many loan players out at the moment have a chance at Villa? How come we see so many other clubs with 2 or 3 loan players and we produce one in JJ who plays for the first team if we’re lucky? I think Archer, AJ and Tim all need to be given a chance next year! What’s the latest on the transfer front? How much can we expect to have to spend? What names have you heard? What positions do you think need strengthening? For me I’d try to go for Bobby Firmino on a free and try to be clever in this window and go off data too! We can’t keep recruiting like we have done. We need to change it up! Any news on the North Stand and the Sporting Director front? Ashley says: We need to finally break this West Ham hoodoo, with that made all the more difficult now given Kamara's injury.
Yeah, I'd chuck Calum in there. Interesting that he was partnered with Douglas in yesterday's training game. .
. Loanees that have a chance; let's try and be brutally honest: Iroegbunam, Bogarde (in a couple more years), Azaz maybe, Aaron and Cam. .
. that's about it I reckon. I like Chrisene as well.
Transfers; plates spinning in the background. A lot of reports over the last couple of weeks; Goncalves, Moleiro. .
. Guendouzi. .
. names in the frame. I've said it before but I am expecting a record summer spend.
Positions: CB, potentially a new RB, CM, winger and striker. North Stand, an update is due; season ticket holders in the North yet to be told what's happening next season when the work starts. As for sporting director talk, Villa insist it's as you were with Lange's position safe and there's nothing in those Betis/Barca links.
We'll see, though… V69: Instead of buying a new striker we should give Cameron Archer a chance. He has pace and he can score goals. It’s also a big blow losing Kamara for at least a month… Ashley says: I think you know my thoughts on Archer - should have been given a crack.
Telling that Smith/Gerrard and now Emery haven't given him a good go. Gerrard was clinging onto his job so he was always going to stick with Ings and Watkins. Arguably the best finisher at the club, Archer.
It'd be typical if Villa cashed in on him in the summer. . .
You'd fancy him to bag goals in the PL. . .
Could be another Gary Cahill/Albrighton. . .
Hope not. Just look at him with a regular run of games. Buendia etc will provide him with the service.
. . No brainer for him to be