Moussa Diaby to Arsenal transfer: ‘Contact’ made, price tag revealed, past comments and other clubs keen

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby. The Bundesliga ace has emerged on the Gunners’ radar with just under two weeks left of the transfer window.

The Gunners are going for the Premier League title but could do with some competition in attacking areas. Diaby, 23, has caught the eye over in Germany and has scored eight goals in 22 games so far this season. Here is a look at some of the latest news regarding this transfer pursuit...

Contact made

According to Sky Sports (live transfer blog, 17.01.23, 12.37), Arsenal have made ‘contact’ with Leverkusen over the potential signing of Diaby this winter. He is under contract with Xabi Alonso’s side until the summer of 2025 meaning they are under no pressure to cash in.

Price tag

Sky Sports add that Leverkusen want a hefty £88.4million for the pacey attacker and that they ‘do not’ want to sell him before the end of this window. This means that the Gunners will have to fork out big money to try and persuade them to let him switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Previous comments

Diaby was linked with an exit last summer but ended up staying put. He made his intention to remain clear and simply told German outlet RP Online: “I’ve made my decision and will play for Bayer Leverkusen again next season.”

Competition for his signature

90min reported last month that he is someone who fellow Premier League side Newcastle United have ‘looked’ at over recent times. However, there has no reports of Eddie Howe’s side making a move for him which opens the door for other teams like Arsenal to swoop in.

Leverkusen’s managing director of sport Simon Rolfes told the Express in October last year: “For sure, we want to keep Moussa for as long as possible. I know a lot of scouts have been sitting on our tribune during our matches because we have a lot of interesting, exciting young players with high potential.”