Aston Villa have seen an approach for Como winger Assane Diao turned down by the Italian club's president, Mirwan Suwarso. The 20-year-old Senegalese international, who has scored three goals in Serie A this season, was also the subject of interest from Newcastle United.
Suwarso confirmed the decision to reject the Premier League clubs' advances. "We have had approaches, but Assane is a key player for our project," the Como president said. "He is not for sale at this time."
Villa's search for attacking additions comes as the team sits 19th in the Premier League with just one point from four games. They have scored only one league goal while conceding seven, leaving them 11 points behind leaders Arsenal. Their most recent result was a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with Alysson scoring their solitary goal.
The club's squad list shows several attacking options, but the early-season form has prompted a review of options. Diao, who joined Como from Real Betis last summer, was identified as a potential target to add pace and directness on the flank.
Villa's immediate focus
With the transfer window closed in England, Villa's immediate task is to improve results on the pitch. They face a trip to face 17th-placed Tottenham on September 19th in their next Premier League fixture.
The team will also be without several players for that match, including Amadou Onana, Brian Madjo, Leon Goretzka and Matty Cash due to injury. Manager Unai Emery will need to find solutions from within his current group as Villa look to climb away from the relegation zone. Their only win in the last five matches across all competitions came away at Club Brugge in the Europa Conference League.
