Brahim Diaz to Aston Villa in the works as structured deal eases NSWE concerns
NSWE appear to be going all out for Aston Villa this transfer window.
Unai Emery has outlined his transfer targets with Roberto Olabe ahead of this month, but some developing stories have come out of the blue.
Tammy Abraham has been linked with a return to Villa Park, but there has been confusion over whether he is the only striker on his way to B6 this month.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Youssef En-Nesyri have both been listed as targets for the Villans, with suggestions proving that Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are keen on spending what they can.
However, despite the off-field financial worries, NSWE are prepared to win the race for Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz.
Aston Villa's interest mooted in £52m offer for Brahim Diaz
Villa have faced restrictions from Profit and Sustainability Rules for a couple of years now, and NSWE are aware that they need to tread carefully when it comes to transfers.
However, the interest in Diaz means that Aston Villa could end up spending more than many expected this month.
- Brahim Diaz came through Manchester City's youth academy
- He spent three seasons out on loan with AC Milan when Real Madrid bought him from Man City in 2019
- Diaz has won the Champions League with Real Madrid as well as two La Liga titles
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid have been sent a total package offer of £52million for Diaz, with internal figures mulling over a decision to accept it.
Aston Villa have been named as having a strong interest, with Sunderland the only other club mentioned, though it's not confirmed which side has sent the offer.
The proposal is said to include an up-front fee of £39million with specific add-ons worth the extra £13m.
This way, Villa could be about to avoid PSR problems by paying Diaz's value over a longer period of time.
The Villans did something similar with the deal for Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough. Though it was a cheaper deal to conclude, Villa paid Boro around £8million, and then an additional £8m in bonuses.
Sales that could fund Aston Villa's move for Diaz
The transfer window isn't done for Villa yet, and there could also be some additional outgoings in the pipeline.
Leon Bailey was recently recalled from his failed loan spell in Italy with Roma, and Ajax are interested in signing the winger this month.
The Villans could demand a multi-million-pound price tag for the Jamaican, but he's not the only attacker who could raise funds to sign Diaz.
In Villa's pursuit of Crystal Palace's Mateta, Evann Guessand has been linked in the other direction.
The Eagles admire Guessand and wanted to sign him in the summer, so now presents a perfect opportunity for Emery to get rid of the Ivorian.
It will be difficult to pull off, but Villa wouldn't make their feelings clear on a player if they were not serious.
Stay ahead of the action — subscribe to Villa News on Substack for more exclusive insights and match-day analysis.