Premier League outfit Aston Villa have turned their attentions towards France, amid the club’s ongoing pursuit of reinforcements out wide.
The subject of fresh blood in the attacking third has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines at Villa Park over the course of the last couple of weeks.
This comes as the powers that be in Birmingham go about granting boss Unai Emery’s wish of an explosive new option on the flank.
To this point, a whole host of wingers have been tipped as targets on the part of the Claret and Blue, from Juventus’ Federico Chiesa, to Bayer Leverkusen standout Moussa Diaby.
It is the latter, though, who is long understood to have made his way to the top of Villa’s wishlist.
In fact, reports this week pointed towards French international Diaby agreeing to the terms of a contract with Emery’s side, only for Bayer Leverkusen to rebuff the Villans’ opening bid.
Understand Aston Villa official bid for Moussa Diaby was €35m plus add-ons — this is the real fee. 🚨🟣🔵 #AVFC
Bayer Leverkusen rejected but told the negotiations are still ongoing, deal ON.
Diaby wants the move, he already said yes to Villa and Leverkusen are aware of that. pic.twitter.com/YqEdw7rTRl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2023
And, on Sunday evening, the identity of one such option has been revealed.
The info comes courtesy of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that:
‘Aston Villa have included Jeremy Doku in their shortlist for new winger as option in case Moussa Diaby deal won’t happen.’
Belgian international Doku is fresh off a solid if unspectacular campaign in France with Stade Rennais, which saw the 21-year-old rack up seven goals and four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
EXCL: Aston Villa have included Jeremy Doku in their shortlist for new winger as option in case Moussa Diaby deal won’t happen. 🚨🟣🔵 #AVFC
Priority remains Diaby after €35m plus add ons bid rejected. Aston Villa will bid again for sure.
Doku, another name being explored. pic.twitter.com/ybuWkCIxss
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2023
