Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal worth €50 million for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby
According to Florian Plettenberg, Premier League side Aston Villa have reached an agreement in principle with Bayer Leverkusen for the signature of Moussa Diaby. The deal will cost around €50 million.
The Midlands club are enjoying a renaissance under Unai Emery and appear to have big ambitions heading into the 2023/24 season. Having missed out on European football last season, the Villans appear to be strengthening adequately to rectify it next season.
The additions of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres have strengthened the midfield and defence, respectively. The attack appears to be the focus now with Diaby on the radar. The 24-year-old has made a name for himself at the BayArena and has attracted the attention of several clubs, including Arsenal.
However, the Gunners have not made an offer for the attacker yet, paving the road for Aston Villa to make their move. An offer of €50 million has been enough to see both clubs shake hands and see the player, who scored 14 goals last season, arrive at Aston Villa.
❗️Excl. News Moussa #Diaby: An agreement with @AVFCOfficial is close to be done now!
➡️ There’s an agreement in principle between both clubs now
➡️ Transfer fee: Around €50m + add-ons!Al-Nassr is still pushing but Aston Villa will make the race ✅@SkySportDE 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ezPXpFSIUj
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 20, 2023
Emery’s Aston Villa are not the only side in the fray with Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr also in the fray. The latter had a €43 million plus bonuses bid turned down earlier this month. It was a case of who forked out the money first for the 24-year-old.
A right winger, Diaby is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline. Both a creator and a scorer, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace is a difficult player to tie down and keep quiet. Blessed with pace and power, he will add more dynamism to the Villa frontline.
As things stand, Emi Buendia is the club’s lone senior right-winger on the roster. The Argentine can be a game-changer on his day but is inconsistent over the course of a season. bringing in Diaby should see the fire ignited under him and step up his game.
It was reported early this month that the player had rejected a move to Villa Park. Such a decision is perhaps understandable given that Al Nassr can pay him more than Villa in terms of wages. But Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen have now reached an agreement in principle over a €50 million deal.
The Premier League side have made their move and will hope it will be enough. They have also earmarked Belgian star Jeremy Doku as an alternative should talks break down. Whether the French winger eventually arrives at Villa Park should become clear in the coming days.
