Aston Villa blow as Saudi Pro League side ‘agree’ €43m deal with Unai Emery’s ‘first choice’ target

Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr have reportedly agreed a deal with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for Aston Villa target Moussa Diaby.

The Frenchman has been sensational for Bayer Leverkusen over the past couple of seasons and he was involved in 17 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last term.

His form for Bayer Leverkusen has fuelled talk linking him with the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal and Newcastle among the clubs interested in him.

Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr have been tracking him, while French football expert Jonathan Johnson has told Caught Offside that Diaby is Villa’s “first choice” out of him and Rennes star Jeremy Doku.

“Aston Villa have been linked with two wingers in Moussa Diaby and Jeremy Doku, one a France international, the other an impressive performer in Ligue 1 with Rennes. As an Aston Villa fan, it’s certainly exciting to see them being linked with players of that calibre,” Johnson said.

“My understanding of the situation is that Diaby is very much Villa’s first choice out the two, and Doku is more of an alternative option.

“Diaby is one of the key transfer targets that Unai Emery has had for a number of weeks, though my understanding is we can expect a bid from Al Nassr as well.”

“But from what I’m hearing the player has made up his mind that he wants to test himself in the Premier League and would be open to joining Villa.

“Being linked with the likes of Diaby and Doku really is a testament to what Emery has managed to achieve at Villa Park in a short space of time – he’s really turned this team around and can now attract some high-calibre transfer targets.

“They needed a bit more pace and creativity in their side and Diaby fits the bill perfectly, so I think they’d only step up their interest in Doku if Diaby does end up changing his mind and choosing to move to Saudi Arabia.”

Earlier this week, it was reported by Spanish outlet Nacional that Aston Villa have ‘reached’ a €60m deal to sign Diaby from the Bundesliga outfit and are now ‘very close to finalising’ the transfer.

But CBS Sports reporter James Benge revealed via Twitter that “Al Nassr and Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal in principle for Moussa Diaby worth an initial €43m with further add-ons.”

He added: Dialogue is ongoing over exact payment terms and structure but not expected to be a problem. Up to Diaby whether he wants Aston Villa or Al Nassr.”