Arsenal are reportedly rivalled by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Moussa Diaby. Mikel Arteta wants to sign a new winger but faces competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United for the Bayer Leverkusen star. With many clubs joining in, a transfer battle could ensue for the French international.
Arsenal are on course to challenge for the Premier League title this season and remain five points clear of Manchester City. The Gunners defeated Fulham at Craven Cottage to retain their advantage. If they are to lift the trophy in May, many top players would want to come to the Emirates.
The Gunners will hope one of those is Moussa Diaby. The 23-year-old Bundesliga ace has been having a sensational season for Bayer Leverkusen. He certainly fits the mould of winger Mikel Arteta wants. Arsenal may have enquired about his availability in the summer and January windows, but the price point may have been too high.
In the summer, things could change slightly for Arsenal, who are in contact with Diaby’s entourage. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have kept tabs on Diaby’s progress for over two months.
Arteta may not want to get distracted with transfer talk in a pivotal stage of the season. Hence, any move will get pushed to the summer. Romano did confirm their interest and said, “Arsenal have appreciated Moussa Diaby for a long time.”
“It’s almost two years following him, but the same happened with other clubs, including PSG and Newcastle. Bayer Leverkusen wanted to keep him last summer and in January, for this summer it will depend on the value of the proposals.”
The mentions of Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United could prove decisive in the chase for Diaby. For instance, the Magpies have kept tabs on the 23-year-old Bundesliga ace since last summer. They may have wanted to sign him then, but his price range exceeded their expectations.
However, they could have a budget for the winger in the coming window. If things come down to the price point, from where Arsenal have bowed out many times, the Magpies could have the upper hand.
Meanwhile, PSG could also look to recruit the winger as Luis Campos eyes a revamp to their attacking setup. Then again, the price for the winger may not pose a problem for the Parisians. They may look at what the 23-year-old Bundesliga ace brings and use him in their system.
As things stand, Arsenal may have a front foot in the chase. However, if the other two sides show serious intent in signing the winger, much could change. Arteta will hope for a swift deal rather than turning the chase into a saga like the Mykhaylo Mudryk pursuit.
