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 were still needed towards the end of the market, which will now have Edu occupied in the winter window in January.
Two positions seem to be the main targets for the Gunners, as Edu has reportedly been chasing players in the midfield and wing areas. It looks as though the Brazilian is prioritising the wide areas at Arsenal amid strong links to players in this position, such as Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners have already suffered major disappointment in the current window as Chelsea stole a deal for Edu’s main target in Mykhailo Mudryk. However, Moussa Diaby’s goal contributions show why he is the perfect alternative.
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Since the 2020/2021 season, Diaby has contributed to 48 goals, meaning he ranks third compared to any other under-23 player In Europe’s top five leagues. Only Erling Haaland and Dusan Vlahovic have achieved more.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka ranks at ninth on the list. Considering Saka’s recent potency in front of goal, it highlights how impressive Diaby has been and how he could fit into Arteta’s team as he has a higher goal rate than the Gunners’ Englishman.
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 23-year-old also enjoyed a strong season last campaign, having scored 17 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.
And, after losing out to Mudryk, it seems that the Gunners have stepped up their interest in the Frenchman as Sky Germany reports that Bayer Leverkusen forward Diaby is a topic at Arsenal for the January transfer window. The 23-year-old Frenchman is still under contract with the Bundesliga side until 2025, so it could be an expensive deal.
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