Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby ahead of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old has been on fire in the Bundesliga this season and has caught the attentions of a number of clubs in the process.
Diaby moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Leverkusen in the summer of 2019 for £13.5 million after it became clear that game time would be limited in Thomas Tuchel's star-studded squad. In 122 appearances he has scored 34 goals and provided 36 assists, with 29 of those goal contributions coming this season.
After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in the summer transfer window - and with the futures of Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Nicolas Pepe up in the air - Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for attacking recruits. With the Gunners on the cusp of confirming their return to European football, a larger squad is required.
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“The Champions League and the Europa League both require a much larger squad because the amount of games is much bigger," Arteta told his press conference at the start of April. “If we can afford it financially and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to, what I want is 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.
"A lot of things have to be put in place and that takes time, so I am expecting a busy summer.”
Liverpool and Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Diaby so striking a deal will be far from easy, although it would undoubtedly be boosted by qualification for the Champions League. Ahead of the summer tussle for his signature, the Frenchman has already given his verdict on a potential transfer.
“Obviously, I’m thinking about it, but not too much yet,” he admitted to Le Parisien in March. “I remain focused on the end of the season. For the moment, it is my only concern.”
