Aston Villa midfielder's fitness update, Ian Maatsen's perfect response and Atletico Madrid's interest in duo
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Of interest... Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: PA)
Aston Villa’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign are set to intensify as the start of July approaches.
Unai Emery's squad is expected to gradually return to Bodymoor Heath over the coming fortnight ahead of the club’s first pre-season fixture against Walsall, which is just over three weeks away.
Villa's first friendly of the summer, at the Bescot Stadium, will take place on Wednesday, July 16, followed by a match against Hansa Rostock on Saturday, July 19.
The team will then travel to the United States for matches against Eintracht Frankfurt, St Louis and Nashville. Two further fixtures will round off the summer schedule - one of which has yet to be confirmed - while the other will follow the clash with AS Roma in Walsall on Wednesday, July 6.
Onana ready for important summer
For several members of Emery’s squad, this summer will mark their second pre-season under the Spaniard. One is Amadou Onana, who showed glimpses of his best form toward the end of last season.
Despite starting only 20 of Villa’s 38 Premier League games - largely due to injury, missing 10 matches - Onana still managed to make a strong impact.
He scored three goals in Villa’s first three away matches across all competitions, and delivered standout performances in wins against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Tottenham.
He also scored in the 4–1 victory over Newcastle United at Villa Park in April, a result that significantly boosted Villa’s Champions League hopes.
Heading into pre-season, Onana will be hoping that a strong summer can provide the foundation to cement his role in claret and blue next term.
“It was painful, it was dark still,” Onana said of his injury struggles on Inside Scoop. “It is what I’ve always wanted to do and what I like the most.
“To be sidelined, go to the games and just sit and watch the boys - it’s not pleasant.
“It’s really hard, but I’m a God’s man. I believe everything happens for a reason. When I get injured, the first thing I say is hamdulilah every time.
“I got injured against Arsenal, pulled my hamstring. I said hamdulilah because it could have been way worse.
“It’s hard to process, but I’ve got good people around me to help me through it. Now I’m back and healthy again.”
Maatsen responds perfectly at U21 Euros
Like Onana, Ian Maatsen is also in need of a full pre-season as he looks to secure the first-choice left-back role from Lucas Digne.
The 23-year-old is currently away with the Netherlands Under-21s, who will face England in the semi-final of the European Championships on Wednesday night (5pm).
Maatsen played a pivotal role in helping the Dutch side defeat Portugal on Saturday, despite being reduced to 10 men for most of the match.
He was named Man of the Match after assisting the only goal, scored by Ernest Poku in the 84th minute.
This performance comes after criticism from former Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz, who had suggested Maatsen should apologise to his teammates for underwhelming performances in the opening group-stage matches.
Maatsen made his senior debut for the Netherlands in March against Spain in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Atletico eye double Villa swoop
Diego Simeone is reportedly targeting a double transfer move for Villa duo Digne and Emi Martinez this summer.
Both are among the club’s highest earners - an issue for Villa, who are looking to reduce their wage bill in line with UEFA’s squad cost rules.
Clubs are required to keep their wage-to-turnover ratio below 70 per cent, a threshold Villa have been exceeding.
Digne, who turns 32 in July, is entering the final year of his contract. Martinez, meanwhile, signed a long-term deal in August and will turn 33 in September.
Atletico are believed to be in the market for an experienced left-back - Andy Robertson is their primary target - while Martinez will be pursued if Jan Oblak leaves the club.
Digne is viewed as the backup option should Atletico fail to land the Liverpool defender.
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