Al Nassr 'give up' on star signing and want Premier League forward to partner Cristiano Ronaldo instead

Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr have reportedly given up on one of their marquee signings and are eyeing a move for a Premier League star.

After Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the Saudi Professional League in January 2023, Al Nassr continued to splash the cash in the summer.

The likes of Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Otavio and Aymeric Laporte were added to their ranks during last summer’s transfer window.

However, with the latest transfer window on the horizon, it has been claimed that Al Nassr are now willing to part ways with one of the big-name players they snapped up last season.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Riyadh-based club will listen to offers for former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward Mane.

In turn, Al Nassr are eyeing a move for Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby as a potential replacement if Mane is to be moved on.

Diaby was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia before joining Villa in a club-record deal worth a reported fee of £51.9 million.

Since then, the Frenchman has scored 10 goals in 54 appearances as Unai Emery’s men enjoyed a stellar season which resulted in Champions League qualification.

The report stated: “With Diaby signing a deal until 2028 and a key member of Villa's side, it will cost Al-Nassr a hefty fee if they want to prise the forward away from Villa Park.

“He is seen as a key member of Unai Emery's side in the Aston Villa season that saw them finish fourth in the Premier League last season.”

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Reflecting on his first season in the Premier League, Diaby said in April: “I know the Premier League is a very tough league. You have to adapt to this league. I had a difficult period at the time but for the first season I think it is rather positive. I am looking to improve and get a better performance for next season.

“I had a good start of the season. It is a good squad with many good players. It is up to the coach to decide but I think I have adapted well to this league.”

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