Unai Emery eyes end-of-window deal for Brahim Diaz as Aston Villa inch closer to mega deal
Aston Villa are inching closer to wrapping up a sensational transfer for Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz.
Unai Emery has welcomed the likes of Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz back to Villa Park this week, but no transfer would be bigger than the arrival of Diaz.
Although the Villans’ performances have been almost spotless recently, there have still been some questions raised over certain attacking players, hence the arrival of Abraham.
Ollie Watkins has now picked up a hamstring injury after hobbling off in the first half of Aston Villa‘s clash against RB Salzburg on Thursday.
But Emery could be about to have his biggest attacking reshuffle yet, with things looking promising in the pursuit of Diaz.
Aston Villa at the top of the pile for Brahim Diaz
Villa have been mooted to have made a £52million package deal for Diaz already, with the structure of the transfer one that works in NSWE’s favour.
The offer is said to contain a £39million fee up front, with the rest of the deal made up by significant add-ons for the Moroccan star.
- Diaz helped Morocco reach the African Cup of Nations final recently
- He has only started three times in La Liga for Real Madrid this campaign
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes on Friday, Aston Villa is emerging as one of the most likely destinations for Diaz to go to, with issues mounting over game time at Real Madrid.
Emery sees Diaz as a “necessary” signing to make, and there is an internal belief that the Villans have the financial capacity to lure the 26-year-old to B6.
Several London clubs are also said to be interested, with Diaz’ preference a side that can offer him an important role.
The attacking midfielder and his side want to conclude before they reach the winter deadline, and a last-minute move could be on the cards.
Where would Diaz fit into Unai Emery’s system?
Diaz’ potential signing would cause some complications within the first team, as he would almost certainly come straight into Emery’s starting lineups.
The forward can play practically anywhere across the frontline, and as seen with the Aston Villa boss, he isn’t afraid to test new roles out for players.
However, Diaz has been playing predominantly as a right-winger while in Spain, and he would give Jadon Sancho some big problems.
| Games | 21 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
Sancho has taken a while to get started at Villa Park, as he could have already harmed his future playing chances.
Not only him, but Leon Bailey looks set to have a role under Emery until the end of the season, but he, too, could have his game time cut by Diaz.
Lots of change can still happen, though, as Villa could complete their most ambitious signing in years with Diaz.
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