Huge Moussa Diaby price tag puts Newcastle off attacker, leaving Arsenal alone in pursuit

Bayer Leverkusen’s huge asking price for winger Moussa Diaby has reportedly put Newcastle off a move, leaving Arsenal alone in the transfer chase.

Diaby recently finished an exceptional campaign with Leverkusen. He notched 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the German side.

That form helped Leverkusen finish third in the Bundesliga, behind Bayern and Dortmund, as well as reach the Europa League round of 16.

Diaby, a six-time France international, is proving himself to be one of Leverkusen’s best players.

But they face a fight to keep him from the clutches of the Premier League. Reports put Newcastle and Arsenal on his trail.

Both English clubs are searching for attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. And they know Diaby would be a great signing, given his recent form and the fact he is still only 22.

According to German outlet SportsBILD, Arsenal are making ‘very serious efforts’ to snatch Diaby from Leverkusen.

While Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth claims Newcastle are keeping tabs on both Diaby and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.

Newcastle cancel Moussa Diaby chase

Football Insider now state Newcastle have ‘pulled the plug’ on Diaby’s potential signing.

They have been told to pay £60million for the French wide man and are simply unwilling to meet this demand.

Such a fee would make Diaby Newcastle’s record arrival, ahead of £40m Brazilian Joelinton. While the Magpies have plenty of money at their disposal, they don’t want to overpay if they can help it.

Club chiefs know Diaby’s price tag is inflated and will therefore pursue other winger targets, the report claims. However, it doesn’t specify which players will be prioritised.

The update means Arsenal are the sole club to still be in the mix for Diaby. They have paid more than £60m for players before and could resultantly still enter negotiations with Leverkusen.

However, a winger is unlikely to be one of Mikel Arteta and Edu’s priorities this summer. Arsenal already have Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in the squad.

Instead, they are in desperate need of a striker – so Diaby could remain at Leverkusen after all.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are reportedly hoping to land a Croatian midfielder from Red Bull Salzburg once the transfer window opens.