Aston Villa comparison made as Moussa Diaby transfer lined up in Saudi Arabia
Dan Bardell has suggested that Aston Villa will not welcome bids for Moussa Diaby amid interest from Saudi Arabia with PSR concerns lifted for now.
A report from the Daily Mail (26 June) has suggested that Al-Nassr are looking to reignite their interest in the Frenchman which they held last transfer window.
After securing Champions League qualification in his debut campaign, he is seen as a “key member” of the squad under Unai Emery.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes the best is yet to come but Villa could still consider a sale if a certain offer comes in.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I always think that you see the best of a player after their first campaign because players take time to get used to the league.
“Villa have a prime example of that in Leon Bailey. It took him time to get used to the demands of the Premier League and a manager like Unai Emery to get the best out of him.
“Diaby has to use him as a template and role model considering how good he is. He’s an international footballer who has been capped for France who are one of the best teams there is.
“I wouldn’t be too quick to write Diaby off and sell him too quickly. Obviously, if a silly bid comes in for him then it will be considered. With the PSR concerns alleviated for now, I wouldn’t expect Villa to be welcoming of bids as they look to build a squad with Diaby as a part of that.“
Moussa Diaby could leave Aston Villa for Saudi Arabia
The Frenchman signed last summer in a deal which was met with plenty of fanfare as he moved from Bayer Leverkusen during pre-season.
He began his spell at Villa Park in explosive fashion with two goals and an assist in his first three Premier League games.
Diaby’s form throughout the season ebbed and flowed with some performances being electric while others frustrated fans.
Six goals and eight assists in his debut season [FotMob] isn’t to be sniffed at and Emery will be hopeful that he can build on that next campaign.
Bailey struggled in his first two seasons, after a quick start, before coming alive last season and becoming one of the Villans’ most important players.
Alongside Ollie Watkins upfront, if Diaby can get better and be more consistent next season then Villa fans have plenty to be excited about.
He already has experience of the Champions League which could allow him to show off his best form next season as Villa return to the elite competition.
In other Aston Villa news, Jack Grealish’s stance on a summer return to Villa Park has been mooted following his Euro 2024 snub
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