Arsenal could be eyeing a late move to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.
The Lowdown: Neto and Pino links
With Nicholas Pepe now having joined Nice on a season-long loan, Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new wide player, and two names have consistently been cropping up over the summer.
The first is Pedro Neto from fellow Premier League side Wolves, though it’s believed he won’t be sold this window.
The second is Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino, who Spanish outlet AS report the Gunners made a €40m (£33.8m) bid for, though any progress on that front is yet to come to fruition.
The Latest: Arsenal’s Diaby admiration
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor revealed that Diaby is ‘admired’ by Arsenal, but that it would be difficult to prise him away from Bayer Leverkusen at this stage. He said:
“So, Moussa Diaby is the other name that’s admired.
“But as we know, Leverkusen are not really in a position where they need to sell unless it’s a ridiculous offer that arrives. We know Newcastle were interested earlier in the window.”
The Verdict: Ideal creative outlet
Edu has given Arteta plenty of backing this window, completing big-money moves for the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and there’s no reason why he wouldn’t do the same for Diaby if the opportunity arises.
The Frenchman has recorded a remarkable 97 goal contributions across his senior career, netting 46 times and providing 51 assists, via Transfermarkt, displaying his attacking prowess in the final third.
Diaby has the potential to have a hugely positive long-term effect on the future of Arsenal, so whilst it might take a big sum to end his time in the Bundesliga, it would more than be worth it given what he can bring to the table.