Arsenal want Moussa Diaby but Bayer Leverkusen are only likely to sell in the summer – and a deal would cost at least £66million plus ‘huge bonuses’.
That’s according Patrick Berger, a key reporter for Sport1 in Germany rather than the former Liverpool midfielder.
Berger claims that Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen have engaged in ‘initial contact’ over a deal for Diaby.
However, a deal in this transfer window looks unlikely with Leverkusen only really willing to discuss selling Diaby in the summer.
Arsenal ultimately want a winger right now having missed out on a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk.
Diaby would have been a suitable alternative but it looks like Edu and co have to go elsewhere for a new winger.
Trossard deal shouldn’t keep Arsenal out of Moussa Diaby race
Arsenal now appear to be going for Brighton and Hove Albion winger Leandro Trossard as their top target.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have opened talks to sign Trossard and have already agreed personal terms with the Belgian.
Trossard’s contract at Brighton is running down and the Seagulls are cashing in after the wide man clashed with boss Roberto De Zerbi recently.
Trossard can now add depth on the left flank but this deal shouldn’t necessarily rule Arsenal out of the battle for Diaby.
Whilst Trossard is technically gifted, he doesn’t have that explosive pace that Mudryk provides.
That would suggest that Arsenal may still be open to adding a real speedster on the flanks like Diaby, who has been a menace for Leverkusen.
Arsenal have a quality starting XI but now need to build a squad; one that can compete with Manchester City season after season.
That means adding players like Diaby to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and seemingly Trossard shouldn’t be off the table.
It’s a long shot for Arsenal to spend on another winger but Diaby is just that good and offers a completely different skillset to Trossard, so the Gunners should still be keen.
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