Journalist thinks Arsenal ‘could have edge’ over PSG as they seek €50m bargain signing

Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.

Diaby has impressed for the German club since joining them from PSG in 2019.

Leverkusen only paid a fee in the region of £10million for the 23-year-old – who is now worth £43.88m, according to Transfermarkt.

Newcastle have been strongly linked to the Frenchman ever since they were bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021.

The Magpies certainly have the funds at their disposal to complete big-money signings, but are restricted by Financial Fair Play rules.

This is also likely to hinder PSG’s business in the summer.

As a result, Arsenal appear to be in the best position to land Diaby, should they look to buy him at the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side signed Leandro Trossard in January but the Spanish manager is still expected to bolster his attack this summer.

A new midfielder remains the top priority for the Gunners with West Ham and England star Declan Rice their top target.

Nicolas Pepe is still on the club’s books, however, and will surely be sold when he returns from his season-long loan with French side Nice.

Reiss Nelson is another who faces an uncertain future at the Emirates. His contract ends this summer and is reportedly eager to agree fresh terms.

So Arteta has the quantity in the wide areas, but not exactly the quality.

Nelson has proven his worth coming off the bench this term, scoring a crucial 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth earlier this month, but struggled to stake a claim in both legs of Arsenal’s Europa League last-16 tie against Sporting.

According to CaughtOffside journalist Jonathan Johnson, Diaby could leave Leverkusen for a fee between €40-50m in the summer window.

Sharing the article on Twitter, the outlet claimed that Arsenal ‘could have the edge’ over PSG in pursuit of the French club’s former player.

This is due to the Ligue 1 side’s ‘financial constraints’ with the player expected to cost around €50m (£43.88m).

Johnson reckons the ‘overall structure’ of a deal would reach that figure, but he wouldn’t be surprised to see a significantly lower fee paid up front.

The journalist ‘can’t see’ Leverkusen selling for ‘less than a starting fee of around €30m’.

Furthermore, Johnson expects ‘a number of clubs across Europe’ to look at Diaby, including Arsenal and Newcastle.

€50m would be a very respectable price to pay for the France international, in my humble opinion.

I get the impression from this report that Leverkusen could be convinced to sell for less, which would obviously be even better.

Newcastle bought Antony Gordon from Everton in the winter window so may not be prioritising the signing of a winger anymore.

A new left-back is reportedly Eddie Howe’s main priority this summer with .