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The renaissance of Aston Villa under the tactically meticulous Unai Emery has been remarkable.

The club’s flirtatious relationship with relegation has been transformed into a burning desire to make inroads into European competition. This has been heightened by the appointment of Monchi as the President of Football Operations, who alongside Emery, has been described as a “serial winner” by the chairman Nassef Sawiris.

The manager’s ambition is matched by the ownership and board, who have started the summer sensationally. Last week, Villa completed the signing of Pau Torres for around £31.5m as they prepare the squad to juggle domestic and European football.

In the previous transfer window, Emery outlined his need for a “specialist winger” and he’s targeted Moussa Diaby.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa?

According to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), the Midlands outfit are closing in on an agreement to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star.

It's thought that Villa and the Bundesliga side have 'almost agreed' on a deal of around €50m (£43.5m), including bonuses for the France dynamo, though Saudi Pro League's Al-Nassr are still lingering with interest.

Emery's side would like to conclude dealings sooner rather than later, with the player himself now in control of where his future lies.

What can Moussa Diaby bring to Aston Villa?

Last season, Diaby was in imperious form, recording 25 goal contributions in 48 appearances across all competitions.

His untameable potency is reflected by his nine Bundesliga goals, which meant he was Leverkusen’s top scorer.

One scout, speaking to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity, believes he is a “wildcard” capable of affecting the game in moments. This is also shown by his rank within the best 19% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for total shots and non-penalty goals per 90.

However, he supports this goal-scoring with sparkling creativity and dribbling. Last year, he notched the most assists (8) and chances created (50) in the team, as per BBC Sport.

Morade Djeddi, president of Diaby’s first club Esperance Paris 19eme, has lauded his quality, saying:

“Since he was young, Moussa had this talent… very quickly, you realise that he has explosiveness, an ability to take on his opponent and dribbling skills.

“He was born with it. Moussa has a supernatural, divine gift. A gift that some have and others don’t.”

How would Moussa Diaby benefit Ollie Watkins at Villa Park?

This glorious combination of invention and productivity could make for a formidable offensive partnership with Ollie Watkins.

Under Emery, the Englishman has enjoyed a phenomenal revival, and in the most fruitful period of his top-flight career, he netted 13 goals in the final 23 league games of the season.

The former Brentford striker’s endless running and indomitable hard work have been noted by his boss, who said:

“His mentality is very good. Sometimes we have to stop him; we have to tell him, ‘No, this is enough for today. Tomorrow, more.’

“Defensively and offensively, we try to use his skills, adding his characteristics. He is doing it: scoring and defending with a great attitude. Overall, he is improving in everything.”

Pairing him with the mooted Villa transfer target could be a match made in heaven for Emery, given the credentials of both players, as evident above.

In the “dangerous” Diaby – as lauded by former Freiburg striker Nils Petersen – Villa could be adding a player with key European experience and someone to rival Watkins’ commendable effervescence and output.

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, as the striker has now promised he'll move to Old Trafford, and he is currently waiting for the two clubs to strike an agreement, according to a report

Who are Man United signing this summer?

As reported by CaughtOffside, Man United are now firming up plans to solve their striker issues, with fresh approaches expected for Hojlund and Goncalo Ramos in the near future, as moves for Tottenham's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen now deemed unrealistic.

Kane's clear preference is to complete a move to Bayern Munich, with Tottenham never keen on selling their star player to a Premier League rival, while Napoli are not willing to accept offers of less than €150m (£128m) for Osimhen, making him too expensive for the Red Devils.

Ramos and Hojlund are now United's priority targets in attack, with Atalanta said to be holding out for a fee of £50m to sanction the striker's departure, and personal terms have already been agreed with the 20-year-old, who is keen on moving to Old Trafford.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the young forward has now "promised himself" to Man United, and he is currently waiting to see whether the two clubs are able to strike an agreement.

After arriving in the Serie A from Sturm Graz in a €17.2m (£14.7m) move last summer, the starlet has done enough to impress Old Trafford chiefs, and it now appears as though the deal is there to be done, if they are willing to meet Atalanta's asking price.

How many goals has Rasmus Hojlund scored?

Despite regularly being compared to Manchester City star Erling Haaland, the Atalanta ace has not been quite as clinical in front of goal as the Norwegian throughout his career so far, netting nine goals in 32 Serie A games last season.

Similar to Haaland, the youngster also spent some time in the Austrian Bundesliga, where his attacking record was impressive, recording 12 goals and four assists in 21 appearances for Sturm Graz, and he has already scored six goals for Denmark.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was impressed by the former Sturm Graz man during his first season in Italy, saying:

"Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable. He still has so much margin for improvement, too. He has very similar characteristics to Haaland, not just his face".

Before also adding:

"Hojlund's so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m & that’s not even trying very hard. Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity & can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day".

Although Erik ten Hag will no doubt be disappointed if he is unable to make a marquee signing, such as Kane or Osimhen, Hojlund has great potential, and given his age, he could lead the line for Man United for the next decade, and by the looks of things, we could see him in a United shirt next season.

Tottenham Hotspur star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is open to leaving Spurs this summer as La Liga giants Atletico Madrid open talks for him.

Who is leaving Tottenham?

Ange Postecoglou has already sealed the signings of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and the incoming winger Manor Solomon.

The trio follow Sweden international winger Dejan Kulusevski, who has signed permanently for Spurs following an 18-month loan spell from Juventus.

It's been reported that the Lilywhites are chasing a new centre-back as well, with links surrounding Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham, Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, Wolves' Max Kilman and Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.

It could end up being a busy summer at Hotspur Way, but to make room for these new arrivals, certain squad members will inevitably have to make way.

Indeed, Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele have all been tipped to potentially follow Harry Winks out the door.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, despite being a mainstay under a succession of Spurs managers over the last few seasons, is also a player who could very well depart this window.

The Dane is attracting interest from Atletico, with journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail sharing what he knows on Twitter.

Mokbel claims the Spanish side have opened talks over a deal for Hojbjerg, who in turn is "open" to leaving Tottenham as he eyes a fresh challenge.

"Atletico Madrid open talks with Tottenham over move for Pierre Emile-Hojberg," said Mokbel.

"Player fully open to opportunity to join La Liga club."

In his piece for The Mail, it is also claimed Spurs are unwilling to do business right now, but talks are certainly ongoing to make the move happen.

Hojbjerg is a personal transfer target for Atletico boss Diego Simeone, who has told his recruitment staff to actively explore a move for the 27-year-old.

What's been said about Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

The Denmark international has been praised by pundits and members of the press alike for his contribution at Spurs in the last 12 months.

Called "sensational" at times by members of the press, despite his "limitations", and former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson is in no denial over just how good Hojbjerg can be.

Speaking to Football Insider at the back end of last year, the former England shot-stopper said Hojbjerg was playing his best football under Antonio Conte at the time.

"I’ve been surprised by how much he has stepped up this year," said Robinson.

“I thought he was the one who would make way for Yves Bissouma. The club spent a lot of money on Bissouma. I think Hojbjerg recognised that and stepped up.

"He is playing to a level that we have never seen before. He is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt."

Conte, meanwhile, has previously called the former Southampton star "fantastic".

"Pierre, no one asked me about him, but I think in every game he is doing a fantastic job," said Conte.

“Every player is improving their level and for this reason Tottenham is going up and up."

Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid have never been a good match. One is an exciting player, who can pull the strings in a frontline full of attacking talent. Meanwhile, the other is moulded by the tactics of Diego Simeone.

There’s nothing wrong with that, either. Simeone is one of the best managers in world football. But, there’s a reason that the likes of Diego Costa have thrived where Felix and others have failed. It takes a certain player, perhaps those rougher round the edges, more aggressive, to really suit the system built by the Argentine. And, well, that has never been Felix.

The former Benfica forward is a far tidier player, far more elegant than, say, Costa. He has never been a forward who can feed off scraps in a more conservative approach, hence why he perhaps should have steered clear of Atletico in the first place.

After an average loan spell at Chelsea, though, it looks like Felix and Simeone are set to finally part ways this summer.

How old is Joao Felix?

Still only 23 years old, Felix is reportedly ready for the next step in his career. Indeed, he wants to make a move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Atletico willing to sell the forward, but only for an £85m fee after they initially splashed out £113m on him back in 2019, according to The Daily Mail.

A move to the French capital may have been identified as a potential option due to the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappe, who has just one year remaining on his current contract. According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have told the star forward that he needs to either sign a new contract or leave this summer, rather than depart for free in a year.

Given Lionel Messi’s departure, combined with added uncertainty over Neymar’s future, too, the Ligue 1 outfit could yet look towards the likes of Felix to add some much-needed firepower this summer.

After all, what better way to replace one of the most expensive players of all time, than with one of the most expensive players of all time?

Why was Joao Felix stripped of the number 7 shirt?

In the biggest hint yet that Felix could be on the move this summer, Atletico have stripped the Portugal international of his number seven shirt, handing it back to Antoine Griezmann – as seen in this latest video shared on their Twitter account.

According to Relevo, too, Simeone and Felix no longer want to work together, giving the La Liga side quite the situation to work out. Given their reported price tag of £85m, though, it remains to be seen whether or not a top club comes in for the want-away forward.

Speaking about the forward at the end of last season, Simeone said: “Bids for Joao Felix? We’ve to see if the proposal will be good financially for the club, that is crucial. Spanish clubs? Same.”

If this is to be the end of the forward’s time in Spain, he will not look back on it with the greatest fondness, having found the back of the net just 34 times, and recording just 18 assists in 131 appearances for Atletico Madrid.

Wherever he ends up next, Felix will hope to finally get his career back on track.

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Newcastle United "were no longer working on" a deal to sign Dominik Szoboszlai over the past few weeks because their "focus was on Sandro Tonali", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Newcastle United transfer news – What's the latest on Dominik Szoboszlai and Sandro Tonali?

The Magpies enjoyed an unbelievable season last year, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in two decades and making it to the final of the Carabao Cup, despite falling at the final hurdle.

It's no surprise that with their new status as the richest club in the world and the arrival of continental football at St James' Park, Eddie Howe and Co are looking to make a statement in the summer transfer window.

That said, the Toon haven't had it all their own way thus far, with long-term target James Maddison signing for Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week with the Metro reporting that the England international was impressed with Ange Postecoglou's pitch.

Another player that seems to have slipped through the cracks is Hungarian international and RB Leipzig star, Szoboszlai.

According to Football Insider, the dynamic midfielder was on Howe's shortlist of potential transfer targets, and the Magpies eventually made an 'approach to sign' the 22-year-old back in May.

However, it appears that any deal with the club would have been pointless, as Leipziger Volkszeitung reporter Guido Schafer claimed on the Anfield Roar podcast (via NewcastleWorld) that:

"He (Szoboszlai) wants to leave. He said 'I want to make the next step', and he loves the Premier League. If he can choose between Champions League with Newcastle and Europa League with Jurgen Klopp, he will choose Klopp and the Europa League. That is for sure."

The Hungarian dynamo now looks to have gotten his wish, with Liverpool having reportedly offered to pay the German club the £60m required to activate his release clause.

However, according to Romano, Newcastle were less keen than first thought and had recently stopped working on the deal to focus on their primary transfer target, AC Milan's Tonali.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Let me say for Newcastle fans that in the past few days, Newcastle were no longer working on this one because their focus was on Sandro Tonali.

"Sandro Tonali is a done deal and will be announced I think during the weekend from what I am told."

How good is Sandro Tonali?

The Italian international has been brilliant in Serie A over the last few seasons, earning himself a loan move to AC Milan from Brescia in 2020 before making the move permanent in 2021.

Since making his debut at the San Siro, he has made 130 appearances for the club, helping the team to win the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years in the 2021/22 season.

According to WhoScored, the 23-year-old averaged a brilliant rating of 6.91 across his 34 Serie A appearances last season, scoring twice and assisting his teammates another seven times.

The "leader", as described by football scout Jacek Kulig, is set to cost the Toon at least £55m, but based on his fantastic performances for Milan, that could well look like a bargain a few years down the line.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made it 'very clear' to Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount that he is a 'priority target' at Old Trafford this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to reports, United have already had two initial bids for the England international turned down by the Londoners.

However, another bid is expected to land shortly with the Red Devils are still considered as being the side that are in pole position to sign the £80k-a-week ace.

Nevertheless, Simon Jones, who is a journalist for the Daily Mail, has delivered another update in his Transfer Confidential that may worry Manchester United fans, revealing that their pursuit of Mount has now put them in a position where Ten Hag might need to choose between signing a high-profile striker or goalkeeper this summer, as their budget won't allow them to strengthen both positions.

Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane was also a target for the Red Devils previously; however, any move to bring in the 29-year-old now looks to be off the table.

Manchester United star Luke Shaw spoke about Mount when asked if they had been in contact in an interview cited by METRO while on international duty, stating:

"Yeah, obviously he’s not here [Mount was injured]. I think it’s all just a bit of banter really, obviously we have a joke and a laugh about it. I am not too sure what goes on behind the scenes; it’s to do with the club really.

"But of course when we’re here and together we have a joke about it but like I said I don’t know too much what’s going on."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, renowned journalist Romano has signalled that Manchester United have communicated their vision to Mount at Old Trafford.

Romano stated: "They believe that this is kind of a strategy game, so let's see if Chelsea will change their position on the price in the next few weeks.

"Manchester United have sent very clear messages to the player in recent days, telling him they want him and that he is considered a priority target."

How did Mason Mount fare at Chelsea in 2022/23?

Mount endured an inconsistent campaign for Chelsea, in all honesty, though he still showed flashes of quality in a collectively underwhelming time of things at Stamford Bridge.

As per Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old made 35 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering three goals and six assists in the process.

WhoScored detail that Mount had no problem trying to force the issue for Chelsea and showed bravery when on the ball, completing 1.3 key passes on average per match in the Premier League.

According to FBRef, Mount was a handy presence in the engine room with regard to chance provision and successfully mastered 83 shot-creating actions over the course of the term.

Being handed a fresh opportunity somewhere else to show his capabilities may be the best option for the Portsmouth-born ace's career moving forward and Ten Hag could potentially take him to the next level at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have missed out on the signing of Ilkay Gündogan, who appears set to choose Barcelona as his next club, with his agent close to saying 'yes', according to reports in Spain.

What's the latest Gundogan transfer news?

The report all but confirms Mikel Arteta will miss out on a player who would significantly impact his young Gunners side, as Gündogan's agent has apparently told the Catalans they will sign at Camp Nou, with the definitive agreement expected very soon.

This will be a disappointing blow for the Spaniard who would have fancied his chances of picking up the in-demand free agent, with Football London suggesting Arsenal were close to completing the move.

Last week Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker revealed his club were in a 'good position' to sign Gündogan from Man City, while speaking as a pundit in Germany, as reported by The Mirror.

The German would have been a brilliant coup and real statement signing for Arteta's project – a player who has won everything at club level, including the treble with City last season, his experience would've been invaluable.

The reason why Arteta will be disappointed to miss out on the midfielder is quite self-explanatory – Gündogan is a wonderful footballer, who despite being 32-years-old, is at the pinnacle of his game and coming off his best ever season. The 2022/23 campaign saw Gündogan tally up 11 goals and seven assists for City, along with countless key performances and big moments, particularly in crunch time.

Among his best performances was an immaculate brace against Everton in May to put City on their way to another league title. This performance prompted Manchester United legend Roy Keane to hail the midfielder saying: "What an outstanding player. What a player this guy is, absolutely brilliant."

High praise from a rival club's former legend, just proving the point that Gündogan is a special talent. Having played under Pep Guardiola for so many years, and given Arteta is essentially a student of Pep, Gündogan would have fit Arsenal like a glove.

Who are Arsenal linked with?

With Gündogan off the table, Arteta will now likely turn his attention toward alternatives. One name consistently linked with the Gunners is of course West Ham United's Declan Rice, who is fresh off his Conference League success in Europe.

Rice is reportedly being tracked by multiple Champions League sides, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

With Arsenal also reportedly willing to sell Thomas Partey, along with Granit Xhaka departing, Arsenal could be facing a huge effort to rebuild their midfield this summer and Rice could also be joined by Romeo Lavia.

Liverpool will not be making a move for Alex Scott this summer, according to a report from reliable journalist Ben Jacobs.

Who is Alex Scott linked with?

The midfielder has had an electric year in the Championship for Bristol City and has become a key player for the side already despite being only 19-years-old. He featured in a total of 42 second tier games for the Robins in the 2022/23 season – nearly every single league fixture for the club – and 40 of those came as starts. It led to one goal and five assists from the centre of the field, the teenager's best ever career tally for assists.

In addition, when compared to others in his position in the Men's 'Next 8' competitions in Europe, he ranks extremely highly despite his youth and relative inexperience (he's only had two years of first-team football).

He sits nicely in the top 11% for progressive carries for example with a rate of 2.34 per 90 and also fits into the 83rd percentile for successful take-ons, with a total of 1.22 per 90 to boot.

It's led to plenty of clubs from higher up the pyramid sniffing around his signature – but one club that won't be making a move is Liverpool according to journalist Ben Jacobs. He states that the Reds have indeed scouted and had a look at Scott but that they won't be making a move to sign him. Instead, that leaves the path empty for some of the other interested Premier League sides, namely Wolves and Tottenham.

What is Alex Scott's transfer value?

A deal won't be cheap for the player even though he is only 19. That's because Jacobs adds that Bristol City want around £25m for his signature – a huge fee for a player who has yet to leave the Championship.

However, when you consider the impact he has had on the game already and some of the high praise he has receieved, it comes as no surprise. Even Pep Guardiola has hailed Scott for example, as he called the midfielder an "unbelievable player."

Indeed, some Reds fans may feel that, considering his talent, their club should be in the race to try and bring Scott to Anfield.

West Ham United still have a list of candidates that could replace David Moyes, with RMC Sport, via Get Football News France, reporting that Christophe Galtier is on their radar as someone who they could swoop for.

Is David Moyes staying at West Ham United?

The Hammers struggled to get going in the Premier League in the 2022/23 campaign, with the side finishing in just 14th place on 40 points. It meant that they were just six points clear of the relegation places and were a whopping 31 points away from the top four. However, despite their shortcomings in the top flight, they ended up being crowned Europa Conference League winners. With a victory over Fiorentina in the final, the club secured a European title and ended the season on a high note.

However, despite claiming that victory, the future of manager David Moyes has been uncertain. Heading into the final, it looked like a defeat could see him exit the club, while reports since have suggested that his future now remains with the Hammers. The former Man United boss has been with the club since 2019 and has now overseen 179 games with the side, averaging 1.55 points-per-match. It seems then as though his tenure may continue and he could even reach 200 games with the club.

A report from RMC Sport though suggests otherwise. They state that West Ham do have candidates that could replace Moyes at the club and that Christophe Galtier is one of the names they are considering. The manager has recently been in charge of PSG but is set to leave the club according to this report and has plenty of other clubs sniffing around him.

What is Christophe Galtier's managerial record?

Galtier is coming off his best ever season as a manager when it comes to points-per-match average. With PSG, the boss managed a total of 2.16 ppm. Prior to that, he was in charge at Nice in France and managed a respectable 1.84 with that side too. He also has plenty of experience in terms of winning silverware, having won the Ligue 1 title on two occasions, as well as the French League Cup and French Super Cup.

If West Ham did decide that now was the time to part ways with Moyes then, Galtier could be a more than adequate replacement for the manager – although he has yet to be tested in the Premier League and has only ever been a boss in France.

Newcastle United target Dominik Szoboszlai is “aware” of the “concrete interest” from St. James’ Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Who is Dominik Szoboszlai?

The RB Leipzig midfielder first joined Marco Rose’s side back in 2021 from RB Salzburg, who are owned by the same company, and he has since become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 91 appearances to date.

The Hungary international was the Bundesliga outfit’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.32 last season, with this impressive form having seen him attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League.

Sky Sports reported in May that the Magpies had sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old twice within the space of a fortnight, and the player himself sparked rumours of a move when responding “next question” after being asked whether he would still be at his club beyond the summer which has now been backed up even further.

Are Newcastle signing Szoboszlai?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg now reveals that Szoboszlai does know about the admiration from Newcastle and stated that PIF and Eddie Howe have highlighted him as a primary target for the upcoming window. He wrote:

“News #Szoboszlai: Player is very open to leave RB in summer as he’s aware of the concrete interest from @NUFC as revealed. He’s a top transfer target of #NUFC. Release clause of around €70m (£60m). RB bosses not happy with his latest statements. It’s a question of the price now.”

Could Szoboszlai be a good signing for Howe?

Newcastle are clearly serious about landing Szoboszlai having already deployed chiefs to assess him on multiple occasions, and having been hailed a “pure quality” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it would be a massive coup should the board be able to bring him to the northeast.

RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder posted 14 goal contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season, form which saw him receive four man-of-the-match awards, but he also excelled even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.

The EM Sports Consulting client recorded 150 shot-creating actions which was higher than any of his fellow teammates, and 117 crosses which was the second-biggest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Finally, Szoboszlai is a versatile operator having played in seven different positions across the grass since first bursting onto the professional scene which will no doubt be yet another attractive attribute to the boss, making him the perfect central candidate to put pen to paper at St. James’ Park.