Aston Villa look to sign Spurs winger as Diaby nears Al-Ittihad move

Aston Villa have set their sights on Tottenham Hotspur's star winger, Dejan Kulusevski, according to TBR Football. This bold move is part of Villa's strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.

Unai Emery is determined to build on the club's impressive fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 Premier League season. The club has already secured seven new signings, including wingers Lewis Dobbin, Jaden Philogene, and Samuel Iling-Junior. However, reports suggest that Kulusevski is next on Villa's wishlist.

The Swedish international joined Tottenham permanently last summer after an initial loan spell and quickly became a fan favourite. He made 39 appearances and scored eight goals last season, cementing his place as a key player in Ange Postecoglou's squad.

Villa's interest in Kulusevski is partly driven by the imminent departure of Moussa Diaby, who is close to joining Al-Ittihad. The club hopes to secure a small profit on the £52 million they spent on Diaby last summer and reinvest those funds into their transfer business.

Signing Kulusevski will be no easy feat, as he is under contract with Tottenham until 2028. This gives Spurs significant leverage in any negotiations, but Villa are reportedly preparing to make a concrete bid in the coming weeks.

Villa's transfer activity has been impressive so far, with the club also on the verge of signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana for £50 million. The deal is expected to be finalised early next week. Emery's side has already secured the likes of Enzo Barrachenea, Ian Maatsen, and Ross Barkley, showcasing their intent to compete at the highest level.

Kulusevski's versatility and experience make him an ideal fit for Emery's tactical setup. His work rate and tactical intelligence align well with Villa's system, which often shifts to a 4-4-2 formation when out of possession. The Swede's ability to create big chances and his underlying playmaking prowess could add a new dimension to Villa's attack.

The potential transfer is further complicated by Kulusevski's importance to Tottenham. Since joining the club in January 2022, he has made 96 appearances and has been a key player for them. Villa seem to have sensed an opportunity and have made an enquiry to sign him.

If Villa manage to secure Kulusevski, it would be a significant coup for the club. With Champions League football on the horizon, Emery knows that having a deep and versatile squad is essential for competing on multiple fronts.

Aston Villa's pursuit of Dejan Kulusevski highlights their ambition and strategic planning as they prepare for a challenging season ahead. The potential acquisition of the Swedish winger could be a game-changer for Villa, providing them with the firepower and tactical flexibility needed to compete at the highest level.