Moussa Diaby turns down Aston Villa transfer

Moussa Diaby has turned down Aston Villa as he prefers to join Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr, thus dealing a blow to Unai Emery’s plans.

According to Rudy Galetti, Moussa Diaby has reportedly turned down a move to Aston Villa in favour of joining Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr. Both teams had made sizeable bids to entice the 24-year-old winger, with the Frenchman now keen on an adventure in the middle east.

Moussa Diaby has had two or three fantastic seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, putting him on many big clubs’ radars. Teams like Arsenal have maintained an interest in the winger, but only Aston Villa have made official bids.

Aston Villa’s first proposal, worth a reported €35 million, was immediately turned down by Leverkusen. Reports following up on the bid suggested the English team could make an improved offer, which arrived in the region of €50 million.

At one stage, some suggestions pointed towards Diaby’s keenness to join Villa, but recent updates have dismissed those claims. The 24-year-old winger has now chosen to join Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr instead, thus reducing the opportunity to play for Unai Emery.

🚨✅ After reaching an agreement with #AlNassr – as revealed yesterday – now Moussa #Diaby pushes for the move.

‼️ The 🇫🇷 player told #BayerLeverkusen that he wouldn't want to go to #AstonVilla, preferring Saudi Arabia.

🗣️ The 🇸🇦 club is now in talks with the 🇩🇪 team. 🐓⚽ https://t.co/xgJqHSGO90 pic.twitter.com/VCzLWWAM5b

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 19, 2023

Villa seemed ambitious when the reports of their interest came through. Yet, with the signings of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres, Emery felt confident in luring the 14-goal star to Villa Park in this window. The club’s intentions were clear with the money offered to Leverkusen.

Al Nassr may have also made a similar offer to Villa’s second proposal. Their huge salary package must have blown the Premier League side away and convinced Diaby of a potential move. For his age, the 24-year-old will have fit right into some of the top European teams.

Undoubtedly, many will criticise him and may even lose a chance to feature for France regularly. However, financially, he couldn’t have got a better package in the current climate, with the Saudis using their power to lure in some of the top talents.

Villa could now consider alternatives as Emery remains keen to sign a new winger. Rennes star Jeremy Doku remains a target. But there’s significant competition for the Belgian international. As for the Diaby chase, Emery will leave the hunt disappointedly, as the manager was very confident of sealing the move.