Arsenal could potentially explore a deal for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer according to journalist Dean Jones.
According to reports, the German team is demanding £51 million for one of their key players.
According to the source, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and the forward’s old team Paris Saint-Germain are also vying for the services of the Frenchman in addition to Arsenal.
The 23-year-old reportedly has the Premier League as his next step in his career after four great seasons in Germany.
With the recent acquisition of German winger Jonas Hoffman from Borussia Monchengladbach, Leverkusen appears to be preparing for the potential departure of the French international this summer.
Jones claimed on The Football Terrace’s Done Deal show that Diaby has been seeking a transfer out of the Bundesliga since January and that the Gunners would have to wait until the second phase of the transfer season to pursue their interest.
“Diaby, amazingly, is still looking for a club. He’s been linked with everyone since January and has not actually tied anything off. Definitely someone who has been of interest to Arsenal, so I wouldn’t rule it out, especially if this window wears on, and he is still looking for a club.
“Moussa Diaby is someone that Arsenal do like, but again that would be for the second phase of this window. The focus has been so heavily on getting these three guys Havertz, Rice, Timber through the door that there is no certainty over who they go for in that position yet, so let’s wait until the mini-clearout starts to take place.”
If the north London team is successful in acquiring Diaby, he will present Bukayo Saka with some fierce competition on the right side.
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The lack of genuine competition and rotation for the Englishman, who logged an astounding 3195 minutes in the Premier League for the Gunners last season, was one issue that some Arsenal supporters had.
The winger finished the season having logged 4169 minutes in all competitions for club and country, and the consequences of exhaustion were definitely evident as he only managed two goals and one assist in the final eight games of a brutally taxing season.
The addition of the Frenchman and Reiss Nelson’s new contract should enable manager Mikel Arteta to rotate his right-wingers effectively, freeing up Saka to concentrate on the most important matches and moments for the Gunners next season in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
The Leverkusen player managed 14 goals and 11 assists in 48 games, while the Gunners star produced 15 goals and 11 assists in 48 games. Diaby, who has been dubbed a “beast,” and Arsenal’s number seven have very similar play styles. Both forwards are very direct in nature and possess the ability to create and score chances almost at will.
The former PSG player is a very adaptable attacker who last season featured for his team in all three front positions as well as in attacking midfield. This adaptability opens them a wide range of options for how Arsenal may set up their assault and might even allow Saka and Diaby to play together.
