Moussa Diaby ends Newcastle transfer rumours
FT Desk
- 19 Jul 2022 20:50 BST
- 3 min read
Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby has ended speculation over his future by pledging himself to the Bundesliga club for the coming season.
Diaby, 23, had emerged as a strong transfer target for Newcastle United, who have been predictably active in the window so far after escaping relegation from the Premier League in 2021-22.
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Arsenal too had found themselves linked with the winger's services after he enjoyed a breakout season at Leverkusen.
But it now looks like both Premier League sides will have to look elsewhere as Diaby closed the door on talk of a move.
"I've made my decision and will play for Bayer Leverkusen again next season," the Frenchman pledged to RP Online.
"My goals haven't changed for the coming season. With Bayer we want to have a top team again and I want to help the team as much as possible by continuing to score goals, but also by providing assists.
"The aim is to get as far as possible in all competitions."
Newcastle turn attention to other targets
While Diaby, who came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy before moving to Leverkusen in 2019, may be out of reach, Newcastle have plenty of other potential targets lined up to bolster their line-up.
Having focused on defence earlier in the window, with the acquisition of goalkeeper Nick Pope and defensive duo Matt Targett and Sven Botman, the Magpies now appear set to look further upfield after managing a disappointing 44 goals last term in the Premier League.
Lyon ace Lucas Paqueta, Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are just some of the names mentioned as possible signings, along with Atalanta's Colombia international Duvan Zapata.
