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Earlier on Wednesday, we saw reports in the European media claiming Aston Villa were one of the clubs in the race for Barcelona youngster Abde Ezzalzouli.

That seemed like the development of a story which started days ago, with Unai Emery’s side reportedly making an offer for the 21-year-old.

It turns out that as El Chiringuito now features an update on Abde’s situation, it’s made clear that Aston Villa no longer have a chance to sign him.

The information was brought by journalist Dario Montero, who claimed that the youngster has decided to stay at Barcelona, at least for this season.

“The meeting between the people of de Abde and the Fútbol Club Barcelona has gone very well. It has gone much better than expected. And they have just told the people of Abde that the player is staying at Barça,” said Dario Montero.

“Abde is going to stay at Fútbol Club Barcelona at the close of this market and that it will be a fundamental piece for Xavi Hernández. Abde’s people have just been informed that they are counting on Abde and that Abde is staying at Barça.”

Aston Villa spent €93m on summer signings so far, bringing Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, Pau Torres from Villarreal and Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray.

The Villans also managed to land Youri Tielemans, who left Leicester City as a free agent following the end of his contract.

Those were undoubtedly great reinforcements for Unai Emery’s squad, but rumours continue to say that they may try other coups in the final days of the transfer window.