Aston Villa and Leeds United are reportedly at the front of the queue for Strasbourg’s highly-rated midfielder Habib Diarra, with the 21-year-old attracting serious interest following a string of impressive performances in Ligue 1. Now, Caught Offside has revealed that while formal negotiations are yet to begin, a €30 million price tag could be enough to tempt Strasbourg into selling one of their prized assets this summer.
Diarra, who can operate as a central midfielder, out wide, or even further forward, has emerged as a versatile and dynamic force in the French top flight. His final tally of four goals and five assists in the 2024/25 season does not tell the whole story. The Senegal international has often been at the heart of Strasbourg’s attacking build-up play and remains a fan favourite for his relentless energy and commitment on the pitch.
Aston Villa’s growing reputation under Unai Emery makes them an intriguing destination, especially with the club’s clear ambition to break into the Premier League’s elite. Diarra could thrive in a midfield that already boasts the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans, offering a youthful injection of pace and drive.
Leeds United, having regained Premier League status, are reportedly looking to bolster their squad with long-term assets and have their sights set on Diarra. Meanwhile, Everton will hope to aid David Moyes’s resurgence in their new home, while Aston Villa will be aiming to consolidate and rebuild having lost out on a UEFA Champions League spot on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign.
Yet, amid all the noise, one club’s presence looms large: Chelsea. Though the Blues have yet to formally register interest, the connection between Chelsea and Strasbourg, both owned by BlueCo, could significantly influence how this saga plays out. Well-placed sources suggest the London giants might look to sign Diarra outright before loaning him to one of the interested clubs, a strategy Chelsea have used with success in recent years.
This speculative move would allow Chelsea to control Diarra’s development, monitor his growth in the Premier League, and make an informed decision on whether to integrate him into their own first team or sell at a profit.
Habib Diarra is exactly the type of player modern clubs crave: young, dynamic, and multifunctional. While Aston Villa or Leeds could offer him immediate minutes in a competitive league, the looming Chelsea factor should not be underestimated.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy has a history of investing early in talent, and with their ownership links to Strasbourg, this feels like a move already being mapped out behind the scenes. If Diarra does land in West London, don’t be surprised to see him follow the well-worn Chelsea pathway, signed early, loaned smartly, and perhaps, one day, starring under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
