Bayer Leverkusen reject Aston Villa's opening bid for Moussa Diaby; want €60m for the winger

Aston Villa wants to ramp up their squad for upcoming season

Bayer Leverkusen have turned down Aston Villa's opening bid of €45m for Moussa Diaby as they want €60m for the winger.

Moussa Diaby, who has two more years left on his contract, originally caught Villa's attention in 2021 when they were searching for a replacement for Jack Grealish.

Leon Bailey, then Leverkusen player at the time, was instead signed by Villa, but they are willing to let the Jamaican depart this summer.

Diaby's preference at this time is to play for a team competing in the Champions League, thus it is unclear whether they are going to include Bailey in any trade for Diaby.

Villa will compete in the Europa Conference League, Europe's third-tier league, since they are unable to provide that.

Villa thinks they can join the top teams in English football in the upcoming season thanks to manager Unai Emery and financial backing from billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

Due to his versatility, Diaby has drawn interest from plenty of clubs. He is a desirable choice for Villa, who are searching for both a winger and a forward because he can play on either flank and even play through the middle.

Harvey Barnes, who is anticipated to join Newcastle from Leicester, and Ferran Torres, the former Manchester City winger now playing for Barcelona, have both been considered by Villa.

The club has Diaby under contract until 2025. However, he might move to demonstrate his abilities on a wider stage because he is anxious to earn a spot in France's team for Euro 2024 next summer after being left out of the World Cup in Qatar.

Serie A winners Napoli are apparently keeping an eye on Diaby as well, but they have not yet made an offer.