The Villa boss is clearly unprepared to entertain the thought of losing the Ghanaian attacker.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo has followed his chairman by insisting that star attacker Jordan Ayew will not be leaving the relegated club during the transfer window, as quoted on the club’s official Twitter account.
Ayew joined Villa in a deal worth a reported £8 million from French side Lorient last summer, and as he had been in Ligue 1 he was generally a stand-out player in a poor side during his first season in England.
The 24-year-old Ghana international finished the campaign as Villa’s top scorer with seven goals from 27 Premier League starts and was a livewire in an otherwise impotent attack.
His form had led to speculation that he would be one of a host of stars to leave the Birmingham club this summer following their relegation to the Championship.
However, new club owner Tony Xia stated earlier this month that Ayew would not be leaving Villa Park during the transfer window, and manager Di Matteo has now followed suit.
Speaking to reporters about the attacker’s future, Di Matteo said, as quoted on Villa’s official Twitter account: “Jordan Ayew is going to be part of our plans and is going to stay here. His qualities will shine.”
That defiant resolve will no doubt please most Villa fans, particularly as they face up to the seemingly inevitable departures of many of their stars.
Midfield man Idrissa Gana Gueye, arguably the single most impressive performer for the club last term, appears to be on the verge of a move to Everton after the Premier League side activated a release clause in his contract.
Meanwhile, Jordan Veretout looks likely to leave either on loan or on a permanent deal, whilst there is speculation about several other members of the club’s first-team squad.
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