By In a surprising twist, Aston Villa has emerged as a potential destination for winger Moussa Diaby, who has long been pursued by Newcastle United. Diaby, who expressed his desire to join a Premier League club, had generated excitement among Newcastle fans as they considered him a dream signing. However, reports earlier in the summer indicated that Diaby’s price would exceed Newcastle’s budget, leading them to shift their focus to Harvey Barnes from Leicester City.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa has entered the picture and made a move for Diaby. Despite initial reports suggesting Newcastle’s interest, it was revealed that Diaby wants to make a switch to Villa Park. Aston Villa’s opening offer for Diaby was rejected by Bayer Leverkusen, his current club. The rejected bid reportedly amounted to £30 million plus add-ons.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Villa’s proposal was turned down, but the intriguing detail was Diaby’s preference for a move to Villa Park. Leverkusen has set a high price for the winger, demanding £50 million upfront plus an additional £30 million in add-ons, making the total deal worth £80 million. This figure would surpass both Villa’s and Newcastle’s transfer records.
While the price remains a significant obstacle, Diaby’s desire to join Aston Villa could drive the club to increase their offer. This development disappoints Newcastle fans who had eagerly anticipated Diaby’s arrival for over a year. Newcastle, in turn, has shifted their attention to pursuing Harvey Barnes as they navigate the transfer market.
The unexpected turn of events demonstrates the unpredictable nature of football transfers, with player preferences and unforeseen circumstances playing a crucial role. Despite Newcastle’s long-standing interest, Villa Park seems to be Diaby’s most likely destination at present. As negotiations continue, a compromise may be reached between the clubs to finalize the transfer.
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