Aston Villa could have already identified the figure to replace Moussa Diaby this summer as Unai Emery assesses his options.
The summer transfer window has been a whirlwind so far at Bodymoor Heath, with players coming and going ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Aston Villa have bid farewell to four players on a permanent basis so far, with Douglas Luiz’s departure marking the most significant relating to the first team at present.
The Brazilian’s exit could soon be eclipsed by another shock exit, as Moussa Diaby is speculated to be close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
Aston Villa see Barcelona winger Raphinha as a possible replacement for Moussa Diaby
After joining Villa last summer from Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby now looks set to bid farewell just a year after arriving in B6.
Things haven’t exactly gone badly for the Frenchman, who contributed to 19 goals over the 2023/24 campaign, however, a challenge in Saudi seems to be on his radar.
It’s understood that Villa won’t sell Diaby until a replacement is found, with one candidate said to be on Emery and Monchi’s radar already.
Speaking exclusively to Aston Villa News, HITC journalist Graeme Bailey explained that Barcelona forward Raphinha is a player in Emery’s sights.
“I’m told that Raphinha is now accepting his future lies away from Barcelona, ironically that is because a former Aston Villa target Nico Williams is on his way to Catalunya this summer.
“Raphinha is a proven Premier League performer and there is a lot of interest in him.
“One of those being kept informed is Villa and with Moussa Diaby leaving he would look like an ideal candidate to come, but as said Villa are not the only ones who like the former Leeds man.”
A report from HITC claims that Barcelona are wanting a price in the region of £50m to part ways with the 27-year-old, who could be an interesting coup for Villa.
Bailey does however report a problem that the Midlands club could face in their pursuit of the former Leeds United sensation, with plenty of teams said to be eyeing his next steps.
Raphinha could be the ideal capture for Villa
Despite showing his talent in Spain, Raphinha has struggled to secure consistent game time due to competition for places in the squad.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the 27-year-old from performing, as he contributed to 15 goals in La Liga last term in 28 appearances.
Deployable on either flank and having the potential to arrive at Villa with Premier League experience already under his belt, the Brazil international could be a strong acquisition for Emery and Monchi to target to replace Diaby.
The 2021/22 campaign was the last time that we saw Raphinha play in the Premier League, where FBref cited him as being statistically comparable to Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka, reinforcing his quality.
It would be a smart move to acquire a player with experience playing in England, as Emery’s hunt to find a Diaby replacement heats up.
