Aston Villa ‘not far away’ with first bid for £51m Newcastle and Arsenal target

Aston Villa have had a first official bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby rejected but they are not too distant from the valuation, according to a reputable report.

Diaby, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, has established himself as one of the most exciting forwards in the Bundesliga and has therefore gained interest from all across Europe.

Newcastle United and Arsenal are two other Premier League clubs said to be considering a move but the Villans have already got a step ahead by making an official approach.

Sky Sport Germany reports Leverkusen have received a €45 million (£38.5 million) proposal from Unai Emery’s side and swiftly rejected – but talks remain ongoing.

Daily Mail claims the first offer was instead £30 million, though it’s likelier to be the beforementioned higher bid due to the player’s reputation and the source being in Germany.

Leverkusen have told Villa they want €60 million (£51.3 million) in order to let their star man go which, in the grand scheme of things, isn’t too far away from the initial approach.

Diaby has been both clinical and creative over the last two seasons, with 30 goals and 25 assists in 90 appearances in all competitions since the start of 2021/22.

The Frenchman already has experience in Europe having played in the Champions League nine times and in the Europa League on 28 occasions.

Another potential option if that move doesn’t come off is Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson. The Telegraph claims a £30 million bid has been rejected already.

It’s said Steve Cooper’s side want around £50 million to even consider letting the 22-year-old Nottingham native go. Villa must decide which player would make the best addition.