Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Aston Villa’s €35 million plus add-ons bid for Arsenal target Moussa Diaby.
Diaby is reportedly one of the players wanted by Arsenal as squad option for Bukayo Saka in the right wing position.
The 24-year-old caught the eye with his performances in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals in 33 league appearances to help Bayer Leverkusen finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League.
With Arsenal returning to the UEFA Champions League next season after seven-years in the wilderness, Mikel Arteta has already strengthened his squad with the addition of Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million.
The Gunners are also on the verge of announcing the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United for a club record fee of £105 million plus addons. Jurrien Timber is also expected to join the club from Ajax for a fee of £35 million to bolster the squad.
READ MORE: Why Martin Odegaard withdraw from game against FC Nurnberg.
With the focus solely on revamping the midfield which has seen club stalwart Granit Xhaka join Leverkusen this summer, Thomas Partey is also one of the players who could leave before the start of next season. Arsenal are beginning to look at other areas of need in the team, with the right wing top of the list despite giving Reiss Nelson a new four year contract.
Arsenal remain interested in Moussa Diaby despite Aston Villa leading the race. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Aston Villa have submitted their first bid of €35 million plus add-ons for Moussa Diaby which has been rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.
He tweeted: “Understand Aston Villa’s official bid for Moussa Diaby was €35m plus add-ons — this is the real fee. Bayer Leverkusen rejected but told the negotiations are still ongoing, deal ON. Diaby wants the move, he already said yes to Villa and Leverkusen are aware of that.”
Aston Villa are expected to return for the player.
Meanwhile, Arsenal remain interested in the player and it is yet to be known when the interest will be made official with a bid for the winger. It is also reported that the player would prefer a move to Arsenal.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal offer first professional contract to brother of current player.
