Aston Villa bid record-breaking fee for major transfer target who turned down ‘huge bid’ from Saudi Arabia

Aston Villa continue to be linked to exciting new recruits but after their strong 2022/23 season, rival clubs are also browsing the catalogue that is their main roster.

The Villans are looking to change the narrative surrounding the ‘big six’ in the Premier League and their summer business will say a lot about their progress in doing that. Here are some of the latest updates for Unai Emery’s side as they look ahead to the new season.

Record-breaking target snubbed Saudi for Villa

Villa are reportedly set to smash their club transfer record for top target Moussa Diaby, as a deal worth up to €60 million (£51.9m) has been agreed, according to The Guardian. Emery has been interested in the winger for many months now and he finally looks set to become a part of the squad. He will be the Villans’ third signing of the summer if all goes to plan.

Fabrizio Romano has also reported some extra information on the pending move, confirming that Diaby has “just said yes to Villa” and he “wants to join Emery’s project.” But the most interesting part is that the 24-year-old apparently snubbed a move to Saudi Arabia in favour of Villa, despite Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, tabling “a huge bid.”

Chelsea looking at Ollie Watkins

Villa’s Premier League rivals Chelsea are eyeing up a move for Ollie Watkins as they look to replace the outgoing Romelu Lukaku. That’s according to journalist Simon Phillips, who reports that the the striker has emerged as a ‘fresh target’ for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but it has been noted that a deal would be tricky to materialise (via football.london).

Watkins’ deal at Villa Park runs until 2025 and right now, he has a Transfermarkt value of €40 million (£34.6m). But given the fact he contributed 15 goals and six assists in the league last season, any potential price tag set by Villa would likely be significantly higher.