Aston Villa Reignite Interest In This In-demand Ligue 1 Midfielder: Why They Must Get It Done | OneFootball

If a report from The Sun is believed to be true, Aston Villa continue to monitor Habib Diarra ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Everton also keeping close tabs on the Strasbourg midfield ace.

Born in Senegal, Diarra moved to France at an early age and progressed through Mulhouse and Strasbourg’s academy ranks. After a brief stint with the latter’s reserves, the youngster secured a regular first-team spot in the middle of the park. So far, he has made more than 100 first-team appearances for Les Bleu et Blanc, and his emergence in French football has drawn the attention of Villa.

Despite representing Les Bleus at various youth levels, the 21-year-old Senegalese switched his allegiance to the Lions of Teranga in March 2024. He has represented them regularly for more than a year now, and his composure in the centre of the pitch earned him plaudits from the Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior.

Meanwhile, the German side Eintracht Frankfurt attempted to secure his services earlier. But their bid of around £15m was rejected by the Ligue 1 outfit, who are expected to demand a transfer fee of more than £25m for their prized asset.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – JUNE 10: Habib Diarra of Senegal scores his team’s second goal past Dean Henderson of England during the international friendly match between England and Senegal at City Ground on June 10, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Aston Villa missed out on back-to-back Champions League campaigns following a controversial final gameweek defeat against Manchester United. But they would battle for the Europa League crown, as the gaffer Unai Emery must focus on the silverware, having restored their lost pride after years of turmoil at Villa Park.

Why Aston Villa Must Step Up The Chase

However, the club might face an overhaul in midfield. On paper, they have six central midfielders in John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, and Enzo Barrenechea. Yet, they might reluctantly agree to the transfers of Tielemans and Kamara amid interest from Saudi Arabia. Barrenechea has plenty of suitors in Spain after an impressive loan spell with Valencia, and the future of the Argentine remains up in the air until Emery makes the call.

Diarra has been immense with his box-to-box movements, concentration, duels, blocks, and interceptions. Predominantly a ‘number 8’, the Strasbourg prospect also showcased his creative spark as a ‘number 10’. He has already been handed the armband for his leadership traits, and his flexibility should see him fit in both as a deep-lying playmaker and midfield attacker. Regardless of their PSR concerns, Emery must snap up Diarra, who could be the club’s present as well as future for his enormous potential.