£38m player now left out of squad after report claimed Aston Villa are about to submit a bid

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Aston Villa could still make a ninth signing as we enter the final two weeks of the summer transfer window.

The Villans began the 2024/25 campaign in style after beating a strong West Ham side by a 2-1 scoreline at the London Stadium, thanks to goals from Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran.

Unai Emery was able to name a fine starting XI thanks to Monchi’s recruitment this summer, and another new face could soon arrive at Aston Villa…

Romelu Lukaku left out amid Aston Villa rumours

It is Romelu Lukaku who has now been left out of the squad by Enzo Maresca – as Chelsea kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian was not involved whatsoever as goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic handed Manchester City a 2-0 win.

It comes after Corriere dello Sport claimed that Aston Villa are ready to meet Chelsea’s £38m asking price for Lukaku as Monchi aims to beat Napoli to the Belgian.

Lukaku looks to have no future at Chelsea after spending the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma respectively – having scored just eight Premier League goals for the Blues since his £98m return to west London in August 2021.

Situation may have changed at Villa Park

Corriere dello Sport’s story only emerged eight days ago, so it is quite a fresh rumour – although Jhon Duran’s winning goal against West Ham may have changed the striker situation at Aston Villa.

Lukaku was seemingly being lined up to replace the Colombian, otherwise Emery would have Ollie Watkins, Duran and the Belgium international for one starting spot, which would surely be tough to manage.

If you missed it, Duran wanted to leave as West Ham made a number of bids for his signature earlier this summer.

However, the South American could be seen pointing to the ground as if to say “I am staying” after scoring against the Hammers on Saturday, so if that is the case, plans to sign another striker could now be ripped up by Monchi.

READ MORE: Aston Villa now want to sign £9m player after he is dropped from starting XI and put up for sale

Nevertheless, be sure to keep an eye on the situation, as Lukaku could be pursued if Duran does still end up leaving Aston Villa this summer.