By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

20th Jul, 2023 | 5:46pm

Sources: Aston Villa in advanced talks to agree £45m Moussa Diaby deal after breakthrough

Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Moussa Diaby after the winger agreed personal terms with the club, sources have told Football Insider.

A deal worth around £45 million is now close following a breakthrough on Thursday, with the payer keen to play for Unai Emery after talks with the club about the project.

Saudi Pro League side are Al Nassr are also pursuing his signature having made a bid to Bayer Leverkusen but Villa are currently leading the race.

The Villa staff are pushing to complete the deal as quickly as possible and add to their incomings in this window with a big budget still available to spend.

Unai Emery leads his side into Europe next season and has already brought in Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres to raise the quality of his squad.

Although Al Nassr can offer far greater wages, the Premier League side have sold their vision for the club and put themselves in a commanding position to get a deal over the finish line.

Leverkusen have started looking at alternative options as they are growing top accept the imminent departure of one of their star players.

The 24-year-old is already set to go and his agents are preparing to finalise the move to England in the coming days.

Aston Villa were always expected to spend near £200 million this summer and with more singings expected that figure could rise further.

Diaby made 33 league appearances for Leverkusen last season scoring 9 and also adding 9 assists to his tally. He has been capped 9 times by world cup finalists France.

In other news, Emery tells Aston Villa he wants to accept Digne offer