Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal transfer news: Moussa Diaby raid tipped as Edu, Arteta hunt Newcastle steal for ‘proven’ striker

Moussa Diaby, Lucas Alario Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkusen May 2022

Arsenal will have eyes on Newcastle-linked Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby as a summer transfer option, one journalist has claimed.

The Gunners have made bolstering their attack a key priority for the current window. In fact, they have already filled a sizeable hole with Gabriel Jesus arriving as their new marquee striker.

The former Manchester City star has reunited with former City assistant boss Mikel Arteta for £45million. However, reports have continually talked of Arsenal interest in a signing another wide forward.

Leeds United’s Raphinha emerged as Arsenal‘s top target. Chelsea looked like they had stolen a march on the Gunners for the Brazilian. However, the Blues could also accept defeat to Barcelona in the race.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal could instead go after Leverkusen’s France international Diaby.

The 23-year-old has had strong links with a £60million move to Newcastle following his impressive recent rise.

“Diaby is probably on the list of a number of top clubs who are looking at attacking wingers this summer, and I’m sure Arsenal are no different,” O’Rourke reporter told GiveMeSport.

“Obviously, they tried for Raphinha, but it looks like he wants only to join Barcelona, so I’m sure they’re looking at other potential targets.

“And Diaby, as I said, will be on the list of a lot of top clubs because he’s been a proven performer for Leverkusen and also for France.”

Moussa Diaby transfer fee causing issues

Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby

Newcastle, like Arsenal, are after a new wide forward this summer. However, they have reportedly baulked at Leverkusen’s £60million valuation of Diaby.

However, the Magpies have not given up in their pursuit of the attacker and will hope to drive the fee down.

Diaby moved to Leverkusen from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2019. And his goal contributions record has got better in each of his three seasons at the club.

Arsenal are chasing Moussa Diaby

Arsenal are chasing Moussa Diaby

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their forward options next season and Moussa Diaby has popped up on their radar.

Diaby’s first season saw him contribute directly to 16 goals, with eight goals and eight assists.

That tally increased to 25 overall in the 2020/21 campaign, featuring two more goals and seven more assists.

However, last season, Diaby hit 17 goals and laid on 14 more, playing across the front line – hence Leverkusen’s sky-high valuation of their rising star.

Arsenal, Newcastle could struggle

It seems as if Arsenal and Newcastle will simply have to stump up the cash for Diaby this summer.

Leverkusen finished third in the Bundesliga last season, helped chiefly by Diaby’s goals and assists.

That means they have Champions League football to look forward to next season. And that is something neither Arsenal nor Newcastle can offer.

What’s more, Diaby has three years left on his contract, so Leverkusen are in a very healthy negotiating position over their star man’s future.

Diaby could light up the Premier League, but it seems he will not come cheap for interested parties.