Aston Villa are keeping Jeremy Doku as an alternative and could make a move if they fail in their pursuit of Moussa Diaby.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Jeremy Doku has emerged as a target for Aston Villa, with the Belgian seen as an alternative to Moussa Diaby. Unai Emery’s side have added the Rennes winger to their list as an alternative to the Bayer Leverkusen star.
Unai Emery seeks a high-end wide attacker at all costs in this window. Aston Villa have been active in this transfer window and made a few headline signings. The arrival of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer became a major coup, but they have not stopped there.
To the surprise of a few, Villa managed to sign Pau Torres in a deal much lower than his original release clause. With the defender, Emery got his objective of a left-footed centre-back and now has moved to bring a much-needed attacker to his ranks.
Villa might look to offload Bertrand Traore and Leon Bailey for reasonable offers but, in turn, want a top-quality winger in their squad. Moussa Diaby remains the primary target, and they have already seen their first bid rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.
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
Villa had lodged a bid worth €35 million offer plus add-ons, which fell well short of Leverkusen’s asking price. Emery’s side are preparing a new bid for the Frenchman, but they may not want to drag this into a transfer saga. Hence, the club are already looking at alternatives, with Rennes star Jeremy Doku on their shortlist.
Doku has been decent for the Ligue 1 side but has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League before. Liverpool are also keen on the winger, but Jurgen Klopp currently focuses on strengthening his midfield.
Once those areas get secured, Klopp might launch an effort to sign the 21-year-old attacker. However, there are no guarantees that Liverpool or any other club would make offers during the window. Villa could ready a bid if they suffer defeat in the Diaby chase.
Diaby is more prolific and direct than Doku, but either will suit Villa’s cause. They will ideally want the Frenchman, who may also wait for offers from other suitors like Arsenal or Newcastle United. Hence, these deals could prove complex for Emery’s side.
Doku can become a good signing, but Villa must show intent. The 21-year-old attacker will also consider this an opportunity to enter the Premier League and possibly get another big move in the coming years. Any move to Midlands remains dependent on Villa’s pursuit of Diaby.
