Aston Villa confirm Moussa Diaby arrival from Bayer Leverkusen

Aston Villa have announced the signing of in-demand French attacker Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with both Arsenal and Manchester United believed to be admirers of his talents.

Newcastle United were credited with an interest in the France international last summer, meanwhile, and there had been suggestions that the Magpies were keeping a close eye on his situation in the current window.

The talk surrounding a potential move to Villa Park has gathered pace in recent days, though, and Villa have now confirmed his arrival on a five-year contract.

"Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of French international Moussa Diaby," read a statement on the Premier League club's official website.

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Diaby has already linked up with his new teammates on their tour of the United States and could potentially make his debut in Sunday's contest with Newcastle United.

The forward has left Leverkusen with a record of 49 goals and 48 assists in 172 appearances, including 31 goals and 38 assists in 125 Bundesliga appearances.

Diaby was in strong form for the German club during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 48 occasions in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and registering 11 assists in the process.

The attacker has become Villa's third signing of the summer, following Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans to the club, who finished seventh in the Premier League table last season.

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Villa opened their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Walsall on July 15, and they will play another five games before the start of their season.

Unai Emery's side will take on Newcastle, Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League Summer Series before facing Lazio and Valencia in the early stages of August.

Villa will begin their Premier League season away to Newcastle on August 12, while their first home match of the campaign will be against Everton on August 20.

Diaby started his career with Paris Saint-Germain but only represented the club on 34 occasions, scoring four goals and registering seven assists, before arriving at Leverkusen in 2019.