Aston Villa are close to offloading Moussa Diaby however, there is one thing holding up the Frenchman’s move to Al-Ittihad.
Unai Emery and Monchi have made a statement so far in the summer transfer window as Aston Villa look to progress beyond last season’s highs.
The duo have already orchestrated nine permanent market moves, made up of five arrivals and four departures.
The biggest exit in the first team to date has been Douglas Luiz’s farewell however, the Brazilian’s shock goodbye is about to be eclipsed by another pending transfer.
Aston Villa won’t sell Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad until a replacement is found
Not many would have predicted that Moussa Diaby would be linked with a Villa exit after the club signed him last summer.
The Frenchman’s time in B6 already looks to be coming to a close, as Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad close in on capturing the forward.
It’s understood that a deal is progressing, with the Midlands side wanting £60m to let the 25-year-old leave although, one thing is holding up the transaction.
- READ MORE: How Moussa Diaby reacted to key Unai Emery decision may provide clue into Aston Villa exit
As reported by The Telegraph, Diaby’s move to Saudi Arabia is progressing but is ‘not imminent’ for one key reason.
The report explains that Villa are still working on ‘finding a replacement’ for the former Bayer Leverkusen ace, who signed for a reported total package of £51.9m last summer.
Diaby is understood to have been a ‘long-term target’ for Al-Ittihad, with the Saudi club now willing to hand Monchi a profit for their record signing just a year after his arrival.
Unai Emery wants a suitable Diaby successor before sale
It’s reassuring to learn that Monchi and Emery are remaining firm on their wishes regarding Diaby’s premature exit from Villa Park.
While it’s believed that the 25-year-old is keen on the move and the fact that there is a significant sum on the table, the Villans will not disrupt the quality within the squad as a result of his departure.
Diaby was not a guaranteed starter last season however, the Frenchman was a strong contributor to goals throughout the campaign, netting 10 and assisting nine in all competitions.
It’s integral that the club identify a worthy replacement for the winger, who despite impressing during his first season in the Premier League, looks to be on the move ahead of 2024/25.
