Arsenal were left short in the wide areas going into the season following the closing of the summer market. Nicolas Pepe was allowed to leave the club on loan to join OGC Nice, but a replacement was unable to be signed.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Mykhaylo Mudryk. But, due to how late in the window the Gunners seemed to register interest in him, a deal seemed too difficult to complete.
The Ukrainian has been linked with a January move to the north London side, but the new price tag for him certainly puts a deal in danger. It is for this reason that Edu needs to search for alternatives and one of these is Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. The German side's interest in Cedric Soares creates an opportunity of negotiation for the Brazilian.
READ MORE: Arsenal already have their own Kylian Mbappe as Edu's genius £6m decision pays dividends
According to ESPN journalist James Olley, Fulham, Bayer Leverkusen and Villareal are all interested in signing Cedric in January. The report goes on to claim that no formal bid has been made yet, but Fulham are pushing hard, with the player being permitted to move.
Edu could use Leverkusen’s interest to improve Arteta’s squad. Earlier last season, SportBILD reported that Arsenal identified Diaby as the player who could be the ideal Pepe replacement. Bayer Leverkusen reportedly asked for €100million (£84million) for the French International. BILD added that should Diaby force a move elsewhere, the figure could drop to €75million (£63million) instead.
The Frenchman has scored two goals in Europe this season. His most recent strike against European powerhouses Atletico Madrid proved pivotal as it kept Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of remaining in Europe alive going into the last matchday, as they managed to qualify for the Europa League knockout stage.
The 22-year-old also enjoyed a strong season last campaign, having scored 17 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions. He would certainly be a quality signing for Arsenal and complications surrounding the deal concerning Mudryk means that Diaby would be an ideal alternative.
Amid recent interest in Mudryk, Shakhtar Donetsk's deputy Sporting Director Carlo Nicolini spoke on a potential deal vis Calciomercato. He said: “Arsenal and Manchester City are two teams that have taken an interest but there are also other clubs.
"We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100million (£86million).”
Cedric could be a useful negotiation tool for Edu to use if he opts for a Mudryk alternative and attempts a potential deal for Diaby. The French winger has shown he has the ability to certainly enhance the quality in depth at the Emirates Stadium.
READ NEXT:
Jude Bellingham to snub Liverpool in favour of Arsenal transfer amid 'concrete offer' demand
Leicester City reveal Youri Tielemans transfer stance in major twist amid Arsenal interest
Fabinho criticises Brazil World Cup stars transfers after Jurgen Klopp Gabriel Martinelli love
Full list of Arsenal players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup including Thomas Partey decision
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
