Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions are still needed.
The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger throughout the window without much success in finding an ideal winger. However, Chelsea could be key in helping Arsenal sign Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, with the winger have been strongly linked to the Gunners.
Newcastle has also been reported to be in the pursuit for Diaby, but Chelsea could end the Magpies interest if Callum Hudson-Odoi joins Eddie Howe’s side.
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Mikel Arteta is thought to be on the lookout for a new winger before the window slams shut and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has been the strongest hint yet that the club is serious about recruiting one. Considering there hasn't been any movement since suggests that the chance to secure the Brazilian's services was too good to ignore.
Despite that possible explanation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Edu already has his sights set on another winger but Arsenal's silent approach is making it difficult to get clarity over who it could be. Arsenal have been linked with a ‘mystery winger’ which, according to Fabrizio Romano, remains a position Edu and Mikel Arteta want to address
According to CBS Sport, Hudson-Odoi could leave Chelsea before the summer transfer window slams shut. The report goes on to say that Leicester, Newcastle and Southampton are all interested in securing the winger’s services.
Earlier in the season, SportBILD reported that Arsenal identified Diaby as the player who could be the ideal Nicolas Pepe replacement. Bayer Leverkusen reportedly asking for €100million (£84million) for the French International. BILD added that should Diaby force a move elsewhere, and the figure could drop to €75million (£63million) instead
However, Arsenal are not the only interested Premier League club, as according to French news outlet L'Equipe, the Magpies were also interested in Diaby and considered him their priority target in the summer window.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a strong season last campaign, having scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions. He would certainly be a quality signing for Arsenal, so losing out on him to Newcastle would be a big loss going into the new season.
However, Chelsea could end Newcastle’s interest in Diaby by sanctioning a move for Hudson-Odoi as the two players feature in the same position. According to Football Insider, Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Diaby with Arteta keen to add the France international to his attacking options. The Gunners have registered their interest as they look to complete one or two more deals before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month, and with Newcastle potentially out of the picture a deal looks more likely.
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