AstonVilla move closer to signing Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen – report
Aston Villa are reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of Moussa Diaby, the winger from Bayer Leverkusen.
Villa have been linked with the Frenchman throughout the week. However, coach Unai Emery’s team have intensified their efforts to secure the 24-year-old’s signature, as several other Premier League clubs are also interested.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Aston Villa have presented an “opening proposal” to the German Bundesliga club for the winger.
Although the fee has not been disclosed, it is expected to be around Leverkusen’s asking price of £50 million.
L’Equipe added that Diaby has been given permission to leave the club this summer if an “acceptable proposal” is received.
In the 2021/22 season, Diaby contributed to 31 goals in all competitions for Leverkusen, solidifying his position as a key player in the team.
Primarily deployed as a right-winger, the journalist Aaron Stokes hailed him as an “electrifying” forward, which has naturally attracted interest from several clubs this summer.
Last season was also impressive for Diaby, with 25 goal contributions in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists, showcasing his dynamic abilities.
Villa’s interest in Diaby comes at a crucial time, with journalist Tom Collomosse mentioning in his Daily Mail column that winger Leon Bailey is on the list of potential departures this window.
Described as an “amazing player” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 24-year-old dynamo could not only serve as cover for midfielder Leon Bailey but also emerge as a preferred option over other transfer targets that have stalled.
Reports from Spain last month suggested that winger Ferran Torres could join Villa Park from Barcelona this summer. However, since a loan deal seems most likely, Emery might choose the stronger asset in Diaby.
Although Torres has had a solid campaign in Catalonia, the Frenchman has consistently outperformed him based on their respective seasons and playing time averages.
By opting for the Leverkusen ace, Emery could secure a more advantageous deal. Diaby has proven himself to be a consistent threat on the flanks over the past few years.
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Aston Villa are already hard at work as they prepare for a potential European campaign.
Unai Emery’s men have the chance to qualify for the Europa Conference League this season after managing a seventh-place finish last term. The club have already spent significantly this summer as they look to close the gap on the top four, and there will be big expectations surrounding Emery’s men heading into the new campaign.
Villa have already signed the likes of Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans, and they are not likely to finish their summer business there. With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Villa Park.
Villa are looking for another big signing this summer, and it looks as though they will focus on landing a winger.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen star and reported Newcastle United target Moussa Diaby is the chosen one, and Villa are said to have submitted an opening bid.
“Understand Aston Villa official bid for Moussa Diaby was €35m plus add-ons — this is the real fee,” Romano tweeted.
“Bayer Leverkusen rejected but told the negotiations are still ongoing, deal ON. Diaby wants the move, he already said yes to Villa and Leverkusen are aware of that.”
Diaby competition
A double Diaby update today. According to Birmingham Live, Villa are not the only club in the mix to sign the winger.
According to the report, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are also interested in signing the Leverkusen star this summer, although, Villa have an advantage despite the Saudi club’s financial position. That’s because FIFA have placed a temporary ban on Al-Nassr over reported missed transfer payments, including one to Leicester City.
FIFA have said they will remove the ban when all parties involved have confirmed that the debt has been settled. Villa might want to wrap up the Diaby deal before that point.
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