Foot Mercato claim it is ‘inevitable’ Moussa Diaby leaves Bayer Leverkusen in the summer – with England said to be a ‘priority’. Aston Villa considered signing him last summer, while Newcastle were linked in January.
Diaby, 22, has been in sensational form for Leverkusen this season. So much so, that he has broken into France’s national side. In 27 games for Leverkusen, he has scored 12 goals and laid on eight assists in Germany.
The £12.5million (AS) signing is certainly enjoying his best season at Leverkusen since his move from PSG in 2019. The latest report states that a move is expected and he wants a club preferably in the Champions League.
His priorities are England and Spain. The report also states that Villa considered a move for Diaby to replace Jack Grealish last summer – while Telefoot said Newcastle were eyeing Diaby in the January window.
Diaby exit likely: Can Newcastle or Villa tempt the Frenchman?
Of all Premier League clubs outside the top six, it is hard to look elsewhere than Villa. They showed their ambition in the January window – making big moves to sign Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho.
While they sit in 11th, they are expected to make a late push for the top eight and potentially get into Europe. Newcastle have the financial advantage, the kind of lure that has brought in Bruno Guimaraes.
Diaby wants a Champions League club. While the ‘irresistible’ ace is on fire, the chance of being a regular at one of those sides in England or Spain is unlikely. There is scope for either Villa or Newcastle to get him.
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