Arsenal could have free run at top transfer target

Tom Weber

• Updated: 9 May 2023 16:46 BST
• 3 min read

Newcastle United have shifted their focus away from Moussa Diaby, leaving Arsenal in pole position to land the Leverkusen star.

The 23-year-old has become one of the Bundesliga's most exciting talents since being offloaded by Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. With 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, he hasn't quite hit the same heights as last term during which he racked up 17 goals and provided for his teammates 14 times, but he has nevertheless proved his talent again this time around.

Due to Leverkusen's early-season struggles, his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has plateaued a bit, still sitting at an impressive €59.8 million. Xabi Alonso's side has experienced a thrilling resurgence in recent months, however, and the rapid and tricky France international has been a big component of their success.

READ: Arsenal and Liverpool told to pay 'Bellingham fee' for top transfer target

Indeed, the highly-rated Frenchman continues to be courted by Europe's elite, including Arsenal, his youth club PSG and nouveau riche Newcastle, though the latter are now believed to have shifted their attention to Atheltic Bilbao forward Nico Williams. This leaves Arsenal as one of the favourites to land the exhilarating attacker.

Champions League reinforcements

As FootballTransfers exclusively reported last month, Mikel Arteta will be given plenty of money to spend in the summer as the Gunners hierarchy is keen on European success. Therefore, reinforcements are set to be brought in, particularly in the attack.

Arsenal have long since been linked with a striker with a physical profile who could offer something different to Gabriel Jesus, but the North London side are also in the market for at least one more winger.

READ: Why Guendouzi is pivotal to Arsenal's summer transfer hopes

Rapid, skilful, with an eye for goal and the ability to combine and set up teammates, Diaby fits the profile Mikel Arteta is looking for in his wingers perfectly. The Gunners may have to face stiff competition, however, as PSG will surely look to their former pupil to fill the hole left by the departure of Lionel Messi and perhaps even that of Neymar.