Wolves launch bid for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra

Wolverhampton Wanderers have launched an official proposal to sign RC Strasbourg central midfielder Habib Diarra, L’Equipe reports.

Their bid for the promising French midfielder is worth €25 million, with the Premier League club keen to wrap up a deal.

The 19-year-old progressed through the youth ranks at Strasbourg before establishing himself as one of the most promising midfielders in France.

He made his first-team debut for Strasbourg at the start of last season and went on to feature 30 times across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists.

Diarra, who has also been utilised as a right winger, has already featured in back-to-back games for Patrick Vieira’s side this term, although he missed the opening 2-1 victory over Olympique Lyon.

The France under-19 international is versatile enough to feature in multiple positions in the middle of the park, including as a holding midfielder.

He only started 18 league games last season but created six big chances, completed half his attempted dribbles, and won 46% of his ground duels.

Strasbourg consider the player to be part of their long-term plans and have yet to respond to the bid from Wolves.

Wolves’ interest in Diarra comes on the back of Matheus Nunes’ imminent big-money departure to Premier League title holders Manchester City.

The Portuguese midfielder had his head turned by interest from the treble winners and refused to train with Wolves since Man City’s opening bid was turned down.

Unwilling to miss the chance of a lifetime, Nunes pushed for Wolves to soften their stance on his future and has finally got his wish, with both clubs settling on a fee of around £55m.

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Nunes is expected to stand in for the injured Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium, and Wolves have identified Diarra as his replacement.

However, Strasbourg’s response must be positive to finalise the deal.