Newcastle told goal crazy Bundesliga attacker wanted by Arsenal can sign as £20m raid on Leeds also gathers pace

Newcastle United are reportedly growing hopeful of a significant double deal this summer with Eddie Howe seemingly taking steps towards strengthening his ranks.

The Magpies recently saw their hopes of winning a first major trophy in over half a century evaporate as they were beaten in the Carabao Cup final. That loss probably came as little surprise given their sudden loss of form overall. Indeed, Howe’s side now are winless in six games, scoring just twice in their last five games.

Truth be told, Newcastle have probably performed well above expectations this season. And qualification into a major European competition, be it the Europa League or potentially even the Champions League, would be a remarkable success.

Still, they do at least boast one of the top 10 players in the Premier League this season.

However, to further strengthen their squad, Howe is already beginning preparations for the summer transfer window.

And it seems the manager already has two major targets in mind as he looks to bolster his squad.

First up, Newcastle want another quality addition to their attack.

To that end, they have long been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.

The French winger has continued to impress this season, scoring 11 goals and adding six assists from 31 appearances.

And overall for the Bundesliga side, he boasts a record of 46 goals and 38 assists from 155 appearances. That amounts to a goal contribution every 1.8 appearances – a truly magnificent record.

That form, understandably, means a number of suitors have taken notice of his abilities. And Arsenal are among those also regularly linked with his services.

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Newcastle learn price needed to sign Moussa Diaby

His contract at Leverkusen ties him to the club until summer 2025 with Bayer under no immediate pressure to sell.

However, Sky Deutschland journalist Marlon Irlbacher claims the Bundesliga side are ready to talk to Newcastle if they are willing to make them a signficant bid.

Claiming they value the player at more than £44m (€50m), Newcastle would likely need a club-record fee in the region of £50m to convince them to sell.

“Moussa Diaby is the hottest player at Bayer Leverkusen next to Florian Wirtz,” Irlbacher reports.

“His contract is worth €50m until 2025, so there’s really no reason for Bayer to sell him in the coming summer.

“But the fact is, and this is what we hear, that if a fantastic offer comes in, then Bayer 04 is ready to talk. And he would not mind making a move to a top European club. A return to Paris is on his mind.”

Magpies also fancy Leeds star Robin Koch

And it seems Diaby is not the only star on Howe’s summer shopping list either.

Indeed, German outlet Sport1 reports that Newcastle are also targeting a raid on Leeds for defender Robin Koch.

The centre-half is enjoying a decent season with Leeds despite their struggles to avoid relegation.

Indeed, Koch is now in his third season at Elland Road, signing in a £13m deal from Freiburg in 2020.

Often blighted by injuries, this season Koch has cemented his place in the heart of their defence, featuring 26 times already this season.

However, with his deal due to expire in summer 2024, Leeds are looking to tie Koch down to a new and improved deal.

Noting his situation, Sport1 claims the Magpies are looking to take advantage and secure his signing on a cut-price deal.

Indeed, they suggest a deal could be done for around £20m, given he’ll have a year left come the summer.

They claim Leeds will be powerless to prevent Koch moving on if he fails to sign his extension.

And relegation from the Premier League would only serve to hasten his exit from the Whites.

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