Aston Villa have to do everything they can to sign a Barcelona star who could be a more than ideal replacement for Moussa Diaby.
Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby was being targeted by Al-Ittihad and the Frenchman was, crucially, keen on a move.
Diaby moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Villa in 2023, and certainly had a few moments of promise during his debut season in Birmingham.
Luton Town defender Teden Mengi labelled Diaby as the most dangerous winger he has faced, ahead of the likes of Mohamed Salah. However, a move away from Villa Park now looks to be on the horizon.
Raphinha could be brilliant option to replace Diaby for Villa
Villa are understood to want around £60 million for the French winger, whilst Al-Ittihad have put together a package worth around £50 million so negotiations will be needed to get a deal over the line.
One player who the Villains have to sign this summer to replace Diaby is former Leeds United winger Raphinha, who could be set to leave Barcelona this summer.
Villa have been made aware of Raphinha’s situation at Barcelona and that a move is a possibility.
The former Stade Rennais winger joined Barcelona from Leeds in the summer of 2022 and had made a good impact at the club.
However, because of Barcelona’s impending signing of Nico Williams, Raphinha and Ferran Torress are players the club want to sell.
Whilst Raphinha, 27, is older than Diaby, 25, the signing of the Brazilian, who proved himself during his time in the Premier League at Elland Road, could be a masterstroke.
Raphinha’s time at Leeds could be key for Villa
Diaby had a mixed time in the Midlands last season but the proven Premier League experience, as well as experience in the Champions League, will surely be part of Unai Emery’s thinking.
Throughout his time in England, Raphinha was attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea but he chose Barcelona. Last season for Barcelona, Raphinha netted six times for Villa and provided nine assists in La Liga alone.
Victor Orta labelled Raphinha as ‘special’ during his time at Elland Road and working under a manager like Emery, who got the best out of a plethora of players for Villa, could be a very smart decision for the 27-year-old.
