Arsenal report: French winger set for game-changing move following THREE YEARS of talks

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds the fans following the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 09, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.
(Image credit: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Arsenal are looking at adding a big-money winger to their squad this summer, as Mikel Arteta develops his side.

The Gunners are looking strong in every starting position across the pitch now, with solid squad options across the side, too. The additions of Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in January have given more depth to the team, too, as Arsenal target a first title in 19 years this term.

According to rumours, however, Arteta is not satisfied with his squad and wants to bring in reinforcements this summer. Declan Rice has been heavily rumoured in midfield – though another wing option to compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli has been touted, too. 

Bukayo Saka celebrates after Arsenal's 3-2 win over Manchester United in the Premier League in January 2023.

Arsenal have little depth beyond Bukayo Saka (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Le10Sport, Arteta is interested in bringing young Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby to the Emirates Stadium as he looks to add genuine quality to an already stacked frontline.

Newcastle United are also believed to be in the running for the 23-year-old, who has impressed in the last couple of seasons in the Bundesliga. A move has been touted in the past as being a £50 million-plus transfer to Leverkusen, marking Arsenal's intent to improve their squad. 

Le10Sport actually first wrote about Arsenal's interest three years ago, as the Gunners made contact with Diaby's agent during the first lockdown. As recently as January, they were still in contact with the winger, according to Sky Sports, viewing him as an alternative to Mykhaylo Mudryk.

While a sceptic may suggest that the links have been rehashed in order to gain interest for Diaby, there has been clear interest reported from a number of Premier League clubs over the past few seasons – and Leverkusen's steep asking price may have put off any firm bids. 

Moussa Diaby Bayer Leverkusen

Moussa Diaby is on the radar for Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)

This summer marks two years until Diaby's contract expires, however, making this a good time for his employers to sell at a peak price. As the player enters the final year of his deal, his value will look to decrease – so the Bundesliga outfit may look to offer Diaby around.

The Frenchman is valued at €50m by Transfermarkt

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.