The rumours prove to be just that, with both Xia and Drogba dismissing the claims.
Didier Drogba v Porto 2004
Tony Xia and Didier Drogba have both taken to social media to address the speculation surrounding the latter’s potential arrival at Aston Villa.
Murmurs began on social media after this picture claimed to show the Ivorian arriving at Birmingham Airport earlier today.
Didier Drogba after Chelsea won the Champions League
The picture was subsequently confirmed as being taken on the 30th of July, much to the disappointment – but not surprise – of the Villa faithful.
Drogba currently plies his trade in the MLS with Montreal Impact and took to Twitter to confirm he most certainly isn’t in the West Midlands:
Villa chairman Tony Xia also shared his thoughts on the rumour on Twitter, in response to a fan’s question:
The admission comes as no surprise, with Drogba at the very tail-end of his career and hardly primed for a Championship promotion fight.
Villa have been shrewd in the transfer market this summer and their new arrivals indicate a very clear transfer policy.
New owner Dr Tony Xia during the press conference
The club has brought in Championship-proven players, including several with promotion experience, to ensure Roberto Di Matteo has a squad that knows what it takes to reach the Premier League.
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