Full Breakdown
Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan Compete for Moussa Diaby's Signature
1/30/2026, 8:20:07 PM
Overview of the Transfer Situation
Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan are both pursuing a transfer for Moussa Diaby, the 26-year-old winger currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Diaby, who previously played for Aston Villa, is exploring a return to European football as the January transfer window approaches its deadline on February 2, 2026. Spurs are particularly interested in bolstering their attacking options due to injuries to key players, while Inter Milan has been in negotiations with Al-Ittihad but faces challenges in securing the deal.
Current Status of Negotiations
Inter Milan's initial approach for Diaby was turned down, with the club proposing a loan deal with an option to buy set at €35 million. Al-Ittihad's management has been hesitant to allow Diaby to leave without securing a replacement, complicating the negotiations. The atmosphere at Al-Ittihad has reportedly become tense, with other high-profile players like N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema also expressing dissatisfaction. Despite this, Diaby has continued to play regularly for Al-Ittihad, indicating that the club still considers him part of their plans.
Tottenham, on the other hand, has entered the race for Diaby's signature, hoping to outmaneuver Inter Milan. Spurs are in need of attacking reinforcements, especially with Mohammed Kudus sidelined until April and Richarlison dealing with a hamstring injury. Diaby's previous experience in the Premier League, where he contributed significantly to Aston Villa's success, makes him an attractive option for Spurs.
Performance and Background
Moussa Diaby has had a notable career trajectory, moving from Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa for a club-record fee of £50 million. During his time at Villa, he played all 38 matches in the 2023/24 season, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists, which helped the team secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. After a season in the Premier League, he transferred to Al-Ittihad, where he has had a mixed performance, scoring eight goals and providing 27 assists across 53 matches.
Official Statements & Responses
While both clubs are actively pursuing Diaby, the situation remains fluid. Tottenham's interest has intensified as they prepare for upcoming matches, including a crucial game against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Inter Milan is under pressure to finalize their transfer plans as they seek to strengthen their squad amid ongoing negotiations.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the transfer dynamics highlight that Diaby's performances in the Saudi Pro League have not been sufficient to warrant a recall to the France national team, raising questions about his readiness for a return to a top European league. Additionally, the financial implications of a mid-season transfer from Saudi Arabia to England have complicated potential moves for Diaby, as players face significant tax liabilities.
What's Next
As the January transfer window nears its conclusion, both Tottenham and Inter Milan must act swiftly to secure Diaby's services. The outcome of this transfer saga will depend on the negotiations between Al-Ittihad and the interested clubs, as well as Diaby's own preferences regarding his future.
