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Arsenal plotting swoop for Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby

By on February 10, 2023

moussa diaby

Arsenal are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby, as per the German outlet Bild.

The Gunners were active in this winter window and made three major acquisitions to strengthen their squad and continue their title charge this term.

However, despite lacking options in the right-wing position after Bukayo Saka, they missed out on adding depth in that area last month. Although new signing Leandro Trossard can play anywhere across the front line, he likes to be deployed on the left flank or through the middle.

Reiss Nelson is an option who could be used there to give Saka a breather, however, Mikel Arteta seemingly prefers to deploy a left-footed right winger than the right-footed one.

It was previously reported that the Gunners are keen on signing a new right winger to ease Saka’s workload and Diaby is emerging as a serious target for the North Londoners.

Diaby to Arsenal

According to the report by Bild, Leverkusen are contemplating a mega squad upheaval and are planning to offload several players to boost their transfer budget. And Diaby is one of the options that the German club are expected to sell next summer.

The report further claims that Arsenal are looking to take advantage of this situation and are lining up a move for the Frenchman. However, they are likely to face a stern challenge in purchasing the 23-year-old as the Premier League rivals Newcastle United are also eyeing a move.

Diaby’s current contract will run until June 2025 so, the Bundesliga club are in a strong position to demand a big fee to sell their star man in the summer. And it was previously reported that Xavi Alonso’s side could ask a fee of around £68m plus huge bonuses to let the winger leave.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign so far this term, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.

Arsenal need a new left-footed right winger to support Saka and the Frenchman could be a very good signing if he were to join the club. However, spending the reported £68m fees to sign a backup option may not make sense for the Londoners.

So, Arteta could be forced to explore alternative targets to strengthen the forward line if Leverkusen stay firm on their current valuation.