Arsenal have overtaken Newcastle United in the race to sign £45million Bundesliga star this summer.
Loic Tanzi from L’equipe has reported that Moussa Diaby now prefers a move to Arsenal this summer. Newcastle United were also in the battle for his signature but have not been able to convince the player to join.
Newcastle had a brilliant season in the Premier League, securing Champions League football at St James’s Park for the 2023/24 season. Moussa Diaby was made a priority target for the Magpies as they attempt to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.
However, recent reports have suggested that Newcastle have not been able to convince the player with their project. Arsenal have one of the most exciting projects in football as of right now. It heavily involves young stars fulfilling their potential and Diaby could well be more attracted to this.
RMC Sport report that Bayer Leverkusen expect a fee of around £42million to let the player leave this summer. RMC also claimed that Arsenal had previously made an offer to Leverkusen for the French International in the summer transfer window of 2022. The interest from the North London side seems to have been sparked again this summer, with Mikel Arteta desperate to add a winger to his team ahead of next season.
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Bukayo Saka featured in every Premier League game for Arsenal last season and with Champions League football set to return to the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta wants to bring in a player who can provide competition for the 21-year-old as well as providing quality in depth.
The Evening Standard have also reported that Arsenal had made a move in the January transfer window. However, Bayer Leverkusen were reluctant to let go of the player mid-season. Daily Mail claim that Diaby is a key target for Arsenal, but following the renewal of Reiss Nelson’s contract Arsenal’s interest seems to have faded a little.
The French media however, are convinced that Arsenal will still make a move to sign Diaby this summer. There is no proper clarity on the situation as Arsenal are in heavy negotiations with West Ham for Declan Rice. Only after the Rice saga comes to an end will the Gunners move on to other targets.
Diaby is currently contracted with Leverkusen untill 2025. He has tallied a total of 49 goals and 48 assists in 172 games for the German side. Diaby will offer back up to both Martinelli and Saka as he is versatile player who can do a job on both wings. This may be the reason as to why Mikel Arteta is keen on the player.
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