Al-Ittihad reject €28m Inter approach for Diaby

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 5:49 AM ET

Saturday’s reports claim that Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are intending to reject Inter’s approach for the €40m-rated former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.

Inter see Diaby bid rejected

Reports earlier this week claimed that the Nerazzurri were pursuing a surprise move for the former Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen winger, who joined Al-Ittihad in a €60m move in the summer of 2024.

Cristian Chivu’s side were said to be interested in a loan deal with an option to buy for a fee in the region of €35m.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 05: Moussa Diaby of Al Ittihad celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli SFC and Al Ittihad at Alimna Stadium on April 05, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

According to updates from Fabrice Hawkins, Al-Ittihad have rejected a loan offer with an option to buy for €28m from Inter. The Saudi side have reportedly cited a fee of €40m for the 11-time France international.

At this stage, with just two days to go until the close of the Serie A transfer window, Diaby is not expected to join the Nerazzurri and instead looks set to stay on with Al-Ittihad, where he remains under contract until the summer of 2029.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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