Aston Villa have added Stade Rennais forward Jeremy Doku to their transfer shortlist if they cannot complete a deal for Moussa Diaby, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Unai Emery’s side are keen on signing another attacking option, and have had a bid for Diaby rejected.
If they cannot complete a deal for the Leverkusen winger, they will turn their attentions to Doku. The 21-year-old scored seven times and provided four assists in 35 games last season, and like Diaby, is a right-winger who can also play on the left.
Romano has revealed that Doku is on Villa’s shortlist, with negotiations for Diaby appearing to have no end in sight.
What can Doku bring to Villa?
The Belgium international is renowned for his pace, and even received compliments from Kylian Mbappe for his sprinting ability from a standing start.
Doku could slot straight in on the right-wing as a direct replacement for Leon Bailey and an alternative to Diaby. Although he is less experienced than both other players, the 21-year-old may be seen as a long-term option in the squad, and someone who can stretch play with his speed.
The attacker remarkably ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for his ball-carrying, dribbling, creative and goalscoring abilities, and could be an astute pickup if Villa can negotiate a deal for cheaper than the £30m they bid for Diaby.
Doku has two years remaining on his contract at Stade Rennais and could be sold this summer if a suitable offer arrives, meaning that Villa could find easier to negotiate a deal.
With Emi Buendia, Bertrand Traore and Bailey as the current right-wing options, Doku could be an upgrade on all of them if he is able to live up to his potential, and given his young age, he could become a long-term fan favourite at Villa Park.
