Aston Villa fully submitted an open bid for 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker this summer

Aston Villa have reportedly made an initial proposal for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Moussa Diaby, with Newcastle and Arsenal also interested. The aforementioned clubs judged the France international too expensive, but Villa are eager to put Leverkusen to the test considering the promises made to the forward.

Unai Emery is looking to add depth to his squad this summer so that his team can compete on the European arena next season, and the former Arsenal manager is anticipated to be strongly supported until the transfer window closes.

This summer, Villa have already welcomed Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, as well as Pau Torres from Villarreal in a £35 million transfer. Emery is apparently eager to bolster his alternatives in the final third and has identified Diaby as the ideal candidate to give a new dimension to his attack.

According to L’Equipe, Villa have made a ‘opening approach’ to Leverkusen for the 24-year-old and want to persuade him of their plans at Villa Park. Xabi Alonso’s team reportedly advised Diaby before that if a’suitable’ offer arrived, he would be allowed to depart, providing encouragement to interested parties.

Newcastle were previously interested in the ex-PSG star, but their interest was cooled when the Magpies learned of his high asking price. “I think he’s seen as too expensive,” journalist Liam Kennedy explained. That’s what I’ve heard about it. We’ll have to wait and see with these.

“As an example, if you asked me in June if Alexander Isak would have ended up at Newcastle, I would have said no, but things change.” He was too expensive at the time, but they changed their minds and acquired him. Wilson’s injuries triggered their buttons, and they went after him. You can never say no to these things, but I believe he is considered too pricey.”

Similarly, Christian Falk told Caught Offside earlier this summer that it would take ‘a lot of money’ for Arsenal to convince Leverkusen to part ways with their No 19 – and the Gunners have since cooled their interest in the Frenchman.

It remains to be seen whether Villa have the financial resources to compete with the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal, or if Emery is obliged to create an alternate shortlist of targets that can be obtained at a lower cost.