Sunderland and Aston Villa submit official £52m bids for winger

The 26-year-old has found himself at the centre of the football world in recent weeks, following a dramatic and deeply emotional Africa Cup of Nations final. The tournament ended in heartbreak against Senegal, when Diaz missed a decisive late penalty — a failed “panenka” — after a lengthy delay sparked by protests from the opposition. The miss proved costly, yet it has done little to diminish the wider impression he left on the competition.

Indeed, Diaz emerged as one of AFCON’s outstanding figures, scoring five goals in seven matches and carrying his side through difficult moments with composure and quality. His performances served as a reminder of his standing at the highest level, even if opportunities have been limited at Real Madrid this season.

In the aftermath of the final, Diaz addressed the moment head-on, issuing an emotional apology to the Moroccan public. He described the miss as a “wound that doesn’t heal easily” and spoke of his determination to repay the trust placed in him throughout the tournament. While the penalty will linger, Premier League clubs appear far more focused on the broader body of work that underlined his class.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid have received two formal offers in the region of £52 million. The club are understood to be giving serious consideration to both, with the potential sale offering a significant return and scope to reinvest elsewhere in the squad.

Aston Villa are believed to view Diaz as the “ideal candidate” to add flexibility, technical quality and incision to Unai Emery’s attacking options. Sunderland, meanwhile, see the winger as a potential “key figure” in a long-term project, a signing capable of lifting standards as they push to establish themselves at the top end of the table.

Despite his international exploits, minutes have been scarce in Madrid. Diaz has accumulated just 484 minutes across 18 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, returning one goal and two assists. With a contract running until 2027, Real Madrid remain firmly in control, but a £52 million offer — and the prospect of a leading role in England — may yet prove decisive in the weeks ahead.