Arsenal have reportedly taken the ‘lead’ in the race for Moussa Diaby, with other rivals also in the chase for the winger.
According to L’Equipe via Sport Witness, Arsenal are currently in the ‘lead’ for Moussa Diaby. The 23-year-old Bundesliga attacker could move in the summer, with steady interest coming from Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Arsenal have been in the market for a new right winger. And many had expected them to sign one in the summer. The Gunners are focused on bringing their primary targets to the club, with the search for the new attacker on the back burner.
They are in the midst of chasing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz from West Ham United and Chelsea, respectively. The two stars will cost a considerable fee, with the midfielder likely to cost over £100 million. Chelsea are demanding around £70 million for Havertz. But Arsenal are confident of closing to deal for about £60 million.
There are further links to a new right-back and possibly another central midfielder. Hence, it is difficult to see Arsenal cough up another considerable transfer fee in their pursuit of a new wide attacker. Moreover, they have already retained Reiss Nelson to a new deal, plus the potential Havertz move aims to fill necessary gaps.
Yet, links to key target Moussa Diaby persist, and the Gunners are reportedly in the lead to sign the 23-year-old Bundesliga attacker. Manchester United and Newcastle United are also in the hunt for the Frenchman, with both teams keen on the winger.
The Magpies have long chased the French winger ahead of the summer. They had been keen to tie up a move in January but shelved the chase for the summer. Diaby remains a key target for Eddie Howe, but the finances could become problematic. They are currently focused on signing James Maddison, and after that, if they have sufficient funds left, the 23-year-old could re-emerge on their shortlist
As for Arsenal, they might look at the potential race for Diaby once they acquire their primary targets in this window. They might still need a winger to cover and compete with Bukayo Saka on the right side, having signed Leandro Trossard, who provides cover for Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Diaby is an interesting player who has maintained his high levels in recent seasons. As for his potentially high price tag, Arsenal may look to reduce it by offering Granit Xhaka in part exchange. The Swiss star waits for the Rice deal to conclude before leaving, with Leverkusen his preferred destination.
Whether Xhaka will have a role to play in Arsenal’s pursuit of Diaby remains the question. But it is possible to put those players in the mix. He will add good quality to their attack, particularly as the Gunners return to Champions League action.
