With regards to Diaby, he reportedly rejected a lucrative Saudi Pro League move to join Villa this summer.
That speaks volumes in terms of the Villans’ pull, setup and ambition at present.
However, there will always be those that slip through the net, and Charles De Ketelaere may be one of those.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported in July that the Villans had made a bid to AC Milan for the Belgian forward.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claimed that Villa had been ‘offered the chance’ to sign De Ketelaere.
However, it looks as though the 22-year-old is closing in on a move to Italian outfit Atalanta instead.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Dea and the Rossoneri have struck a deal over the player.
They will reportedly pay a €3million (£2.6million) loan fee with an option to buy for €23million (£20million).
Up next is personal terms. De Ketelaere hasn’t agreed to the move yet, but the Atalanta hierarchy and boss feel they can convince him.