Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. But, this issue has been addressed late into the January window.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the winter transfer window was Mykhailo Mudryk. But the Gunners suffered a huge blow in their pursuit as Chelsea hijacked a deal when Arsenal were finally advancing in their negotiations.
Edu opted to sign Leandro Trossard as an alternative, but this deal is seen as a more short-term option due to the lack of pedigree surrounding the Belgian, and the fact that he was a second option to Mudryk. It is also because of this that the Gunners continue to be linked to wingers.
READ MORE: Edu attempts Chelsea January transfer revenge to solve key Mikel Arteta dilemma for Arsenal
Another option for Edu is Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. And in the club's potential pursuit of the winger, the Gunners have been handed a boost in capturing his signature.
According to German news outlet Bild, Newcastle were also considering a move to sign Diaby in the January transfer window. The Magpies are having an exceptional season and securing the Frenchman would give the Premier League side a major boost in their bid to finish in the top four this year.
However, multiple reports state that Eddie Howe has instead opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Everton, despite heavy interest from Chelsea in the summer. This means that Arsenal have one less competitor in their pursuit for Diaby as Gordon and the Frenchman are a similar age and play in the same position.
Links to Newcastle comes after Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside, claimed that Diaby has been on Edu and Arteta's list since missing out on Raphinha in the summer transfer window. Diaby had his best campaign to date last season, grabbing 13 goals and 12 assists for Leverkusen in 32 Bundesliga games.
Arsenal manager Arteta was apparently a big fan of Pedro Neto as an alternative, though a deal was difficult. In the summer Wolves held out for £50million for the Portugal international.
"Arsenal have the name of Pedro Neto on the list, highly regarded in the club and endorsed by Mikel Arteta. There is no official bid yet and it is not an easy negotiation, as Wolves want more than £50m for the Portuguese talent," Romano said.
"Another appreciated player was Moussa Diaby but Bayer Leverkusen consider him untouchable as of now. They are also offering him a new deal."
The Frenchman scored two goals in Europe this season with his most recent strike against European powerhouses Atletico Madrid proving pivotal. Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of remaining in Europe were kept alive by that goal after qualifying for the Europa League knockout stage.
With Newcastle potentially out of the race, it could give the Gunners a key boost for the summer transfer window.
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