Journalist: Saudi club in ‘constant contact’ with £50m Aston Villa star

Aston Villa’s last few seasons have been marked by smart signings and their impact on the pitch, with Moussa Diaby standing out as a particularly influential figure. Having only joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, Diaby quickly became a central figure in Unai Emery’s strategy, captivating fans with his dynamic play on the wing. His skills have not only improved Aston Villa’s game, but have also caught the attention of Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad.

According to reports from Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Al-Ittihad are showing great interest in securing Diaby’s services. The club is in ongoing talks with Aston Villa and has underlined its intention with a series of increasing offers. The Saudi Pro League club originally submitted a bid of £38 million for Diaby, who has four years left on his contract with Aston Villa. Al-Ittihad was not deterred by the English club’s reticence and recently increased its offer to around £50 million, a testament to its determination and the value it places on Diaby’s abilities.

The structure of the proposed deal will see a staggered payment plan with a down payment of £19.2 million, underlining Al-Ittihad’s strategic approach to attracting top-class talent while effectively managing financial outlay.

Aston Villa’s interest in Hull City’s Jaden Philogene suggests a willingness to adjust the dynamics of the squad. This potential restructuring could pave the way for Diaby’s exit, provided the right terms are agreed. Emery’s strategy appears to be to rotate his squad to optimise performance and remain competitive in the extremely demanding Premier League.

The interest of a club as well-known as Al-Ittihad in Diaby underlines the global market’s recognition of Premier League talent. Players like Diaby not only make a significant contribution on the pitch, but also strengthen the club’s brand and marketability abroad. This dynamic can lead to lucrative deals that benefit all parties involved.

At Aston Villa, the decision to potentially transfer Diaby will be influenced by several factors, including the player’s career goals, the club’s strategic objectives and the financial implications of such a transfer. Given Al-Ittihad’s assertive stance in the negotiations, a solution seems imminent.

As discussions continue, those involved in both leagues will be closely monitoring the outcome of this transfer saga. For Moussa Diaby, a move to Al-Ittihad could mark a new chapter in his career and offer him the opportunity to become a key player in a different competitive environment. For Aston Villa, carefully managing this situation will be crucial to ensure the club remains competitive and financially healthy.

The coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining where Diaby will play next season, with both Aston Villa and Al-Ittihad appearing prepared for any outcome, knowing how much is at stake in such high-profile negotiations.

The ongoing dialogue between these two clubs, as has been reported, reflects the complexity of today’s football transfers, where significant investments are made in the hope of sporting excellence and financial return.