Tottenham Target Moussa Diaby in Bid to Hijack Inter Milan Agreement
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as contenders in the race to sign Al-Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby, challenging Inter Milan for the Frenchman’s signature as he considers a return to European football.
Moussa Diaby could leave Al-Ittihad for Europe as Tottenham join Inter Milan in the race for the former Aston Villa winger.
The 26-year-old moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2024, completing a £50 million ($69m) switch from Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad. However, just two years on, the attacker is said to be open to heading back to Europe in 2026, with Champions League football a key priority in his decision-making.
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Diaby’s Premier League stint was short-lived. Aston Villa signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 for £52 million ($72m), and he went on to score 10 goals in 54 appearances during his only season in England. After roughly 18 months at Villa Park, he joined Al-Ittihad for a similar fee and spoke positively about the move.
“I am thrilled to join Al-Ittihad and be part of a project that aims to build a strong team reflecting the club's rich history and values,” Diaby said at the time. “I look forward to collaborating with my new team-mates to achieve victories and bring joy to our dedicated fans.”
Recent reports have heavily linked Diaby with Serie A leaders Inter Milan, but The Independent now claim Tottenham are also considering a move. The winger’s preference for a Champions League club gives Inter a clear advantage, yet Spurs are reportedly looking to strengthen their attack this month due to injuries to Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison. The report suggests there remains an opportunity for Tottenham to hijack Inter’s move.
Diaby’s motivation for a European return is also influenced by international ambitions. The France international has struggled to break into Didier Deschamps’ squad over the past year and is eager to be part of the French team competing in this summer’s World Cup. Inter are almost certain to feature in the Champions League next season, while Tottenham’s participation is far from guaranteed as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League table.
Off the pitch, pressure continues to mount on Tottenham manager Thomas Frank. A poor run of league results has seen Spurs slide down the standings, with their most recent Premier League win dating back to 28 December against Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, strong Champions League performances have eased the tension around the Danish coach.
Following a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, which secured fourth place and qualification for the last 16 with 17 points, Frank praised both players and supporters. “The players showed great character and mentality,” he said. “We were more or less in control from the beginning to the end… The fans were fantastic.”
With the winter transfer window closing on 2 February, any deal for Diaby must happen quickly. Whether Al-Ittihad will allow the winger to leave before the deadline remains uncertain. Tottenham’s immediate challenge comes on Sunday, when they host Manchester City in the Premier League.
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