Aston Villa want £20m star but he’s ‘keen’ to join Wolves instead now

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Manchester City and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Strasbourg starlet Habib Diarra but Premier League rivals Wolves are in pole position as things stand 

The Daily Mail’s Bank Holiday update does not explain exactly why the coveted 19-year-old seems to be leaning towards a move to Molineux; Habib Diarra ‘keen’ on putting pen to paper with the Black Country outfit. 

But perhaps he feels that regular first-team football is more attainable at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Julen Lopetegui’s side are expected to lose both Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho this summer, after all. As such, there could be a spot available for Diarra to make his own in Old Gold. 

At the age of 19, the France youth star has already proven himself capable of thriving on the senior stage. He scored three goals and set up two more during 28 Ligue 1 appearances for underachieving Strasbourg in 2022/23.

In truth, Diarra shares more in common with Matheus Nunes than either Neves or Moutinho; an athletic ball-carrier who’s quick feet allows him to escape – Houdini-like – through even the tightest of gaps. He would fit in neatly alongside fellow youngsters Nunes and Joao Gomes in a more fast-paced midfield.

Will Wolves win the race to sign Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra?

Diarra can play through the middle or wide on the right.

At Aston Villa, the £20 million-rated teenager would face competition from the likes of John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia and co. While Manchester City’s array of midfield talent needs no repeating. 

First-team football, then, may make Wolves a more attractive prospect for a player who needs to feature regularly if he is to make good on his potential, even if the uncertainty facing Lopetegui’s Molineux future complicates matters.

According to The Sun, no fewer than nine club scouted Diarra during Strasbourg’s recent 2-0 win over Nice. In addition to Villa, Man City and co, there is also interest from Tottenham, Manchester United, West Ham and Crystal Palace, although Leeds and Leicester City look certain to miss out after suffering relegation on the final day.