Tottenham Enter Race for Former Aston Villa Winger Moussa Diaby
Tottenham Hotspur are actively exploring a move to sign former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby as the January transfer window approaches its climax. The North London club are seeking to bolster their attacking options before the deadline and have identified the French international as a prime target.
Inter Milan Provide Serious Competition for Signature
Spurs will face significant competition from Serie A giants Inter Milan for the 26-year-old's signature. Diaby currently plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, having departed Villa Park in July 2024 for a reported £50 million transfer fee. Both Tottenham and Inter can offer the Champions League football that Diaby is reportedly seeking after eighteen months in the Middle East.
Champions League Qualification Key to Attraction
The French winger is understood to be open to returning to a club competing in Europe's premier competition. Tottenham secured their place in the Champions League last sixteen after finishing in the top eight during the league phase, while Inter Milan will compete in the knockout play-offs against either Benfica or Bodo/Glimt. This European pedigree could prove decisive in the player's decision-making process.
Transfer Deadline Creates Urgency for Spurs
Tottenham want to complete the signing during this transfer window but will need to act swiftly with the deadline falling on 2 February. Diaby is currently assessing his options as multiple clubs express interest. The timing is particularly crucial for Spurs manager Thomas Frank, who faces attacking shortages with summer signing Mohammed Kudus sidelined until April and Richarlison nursing a hamstring problem.
Diaby's Impressive Track Record in England and Saudi Arabia
Diaby brings valuable Premier League experience to the table, having featured in all thirty-eight matches during the 2023/24 season with Aston Villa following his club-record arrival from Bayer Leverkusen. During that campaign, he contributed ten goals and eleven assists across all competitions, playing an instrumental role in Villa's remarkable top-four finish and subsequent Champions League qualification.
The Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate continued his impressive form in Saudi Arabia, helping Al-Ittihad secure the Saudi Pro League title in his debut season. He finished the campaign with fifteen assists, sharing the league's highest assist tally with Al-Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari.
International Ambitions Remain Unfulfilled
Despite his club success, Diaby's performances in the Middle East have not been enough to earn a recall to the French national team. The winger boasts eleven international caps but has not featured for Les Bleus since his departure from Aston Villa, adding further motivation for a return to European football.
Tottenham's Current Situation Adds Complexity
While the prospect of Champions League football this season may attract Diaby, Tottenham's current league position presents complications. The club are languishing in fourteenth place in the Premier League, making qualification for next season's Champions League increasingly unlikely. This could influence the player's decision as he considers his long-term prospects.
Tottenham are currently preparing for their crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester City on Sunday, which comes just one day before the winter transfer deadline. The outcome of this match could potentially impact their attractiveness to prospective signings like Diaby as they seek to improve their domestic form.
