Aston Villa line up Moussa Diaby replacement

Aston Villa and Al-Ittihad are nearing an agreement that will see Moussa Diaby leave Villa Park and head to Saudi Arabia. The initial offer from the Saudi club, who Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante play for, is around the 50 million euros mark and Villa are thought to be holding out for a higher offer.

The Saudi club have made Diaby a prime transfer target and are likely to pay the fee that Villa demand which is closer to the 70 million euros mark. With Diaby leaving, it gives Villa a huge cash injection and everyone is crying out for the club to go after one player.

Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams is the name Villa fans want to see in that starting line-up next season. Williams had a sensational European Championships for Spain and was easily one of the best players at the tournament. He finished the tournament with 2 goals and an assist including the opening goal against England in Sunday's final.

Williams is a player that has been previously linked with Aston Villa but now that he has proven that he is one of the best players in Europe the club will face very tough competition if they were to attempt to strike a deal with the Athletic Bilbao winger.

5 goals and 14 assists in La Liga last season showed everyone what sort of player he is. His ability to carry the ball at pace with his individual skill and trickery means he is one of the top players in world football for creating goal scoring opportunities. His electric pace makes him a very difficult player to defend against and with the way Villa play in terms of their attacking football he would easily fit into Unai Emery's system.

Barcelona are currently the club seemingly in control of the transfer situation but a deal is looking increasingly unlikely due to the financial restrictions ongoing at the Nou Camp. Arsenal and Chelsea from the Premier League are also heavily linked with the player with both reportedly ready to activate Williams' 58 million euro release clause.

It is understood that Unai Emery is a long-term admirer of Williams and the Spanish connection could be a pivotal factor. The fact Villa are playing Champions League football next year will also prove to be a key factor should the club pursue their interest and attempt to make a deal with the player.

Aston Villa will face Williams' club Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season friendly on 7th August which could see Williams playing against Villa and give the fans a taste of what they could have next season.

UTV