Aston Villa ‘serious’ about signing lethal winger before Newcastle, Al Nassr with second bid ready
Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby and Monaco midfielder Eliesse Ben Seghir
Aston Villa are ready to launch a new offer as they look to deprive Newcastle United and Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr of Moussa Diaby, according to reports.
Diaby has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Newcastle in the last 12 months amid his great performances for Bayer Leverkusen. The winger was on top form against last season, notching 14 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Diaby is unlikely to join Arsenal this summer after they spent big money on the likes of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. But Villa still left Newcastle stunned when they opened the bidding for Diaby on July 12.
Valuations of Villa’s proposal varied, with some putting it as low as €30million (£25.7m) and others claiming it to be as high as €47m (£40.3m).
Either way, Villa’s bid was knocked back as it did not meet Leverkusen’s €60m (£51.5m) asking price. On Saturday, Football Insider claimed Leverkusen officials were braced for a new offer from Villa, with Unai Emery intent on getting his man.
And that information has now been confirmed by German source Rheinische Post (as cited by Sport Witness). The report states that Villa are ‘serious’ about landing the Frenchman and ‘it is still possible’ for them to do so as long as they ‘dip deeper into their pockets’.
RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins has also provided an update on the situation. Writing on Twitter, he states that Villa will now face competition from Al Nassr for Diaby.
That is because the Saudi Pro League side have launched their own offer worth €43m (£36.8m). Al Nassr are currently waiting for Leverkusen to respond, but it is highly likely their bid will be knocked back, just like Villa’s.
Aston Villa draw up second proposal for Newcastle-linked ace
Hawkins ends his tweet by revealing the Villans ‘will make a second offer’ for the attacker. It seems they will soon put up more money to try and win the transfer chase.
Villa landing Diaby before Al Nassr would deprive Cristiano Ronaldo of a top-class winger to play alongside in the Middle East. Of course, Ronaldo has been on Al Nassr’s books since the start of the year, having left Manchester United by mutual consent in November.
Diaby would be a fantastic signing for Villa. He would add both goals and creativity to their team and could form an electric attack with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Jacob Ramsey.
Diaby has the potential to become Villa’s third summer arrival. They have already captured Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City and spent around £31.5m to sign defender Pau Torres from Emery’s former club Villarreal.