Arsenal set for £37m transfer blow as Edu forced to scout for summer alternatives
Arsenal look set for a transfer blow as reported target Moussa Diaby weighs up his next move.
The winger has starred for Bayer Leverkusen over the last few years, leading to plenty of interest in the 24-year-old. Last season, the France international scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists as the German club finished in the top six and reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
It was reported, back in March, that the Gunners held an interest in the forward. German transfer insider Christian Falk claimed that Diaby’s agents had been ‘in contact’ with Arsenal over a possible move to north London. However, it appears that both Aston Villa and Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have moved ahead of Mikel Arteta’s side in the race to sign Diaby.
CBS reporter James Benge has stated that the Saudi club has ‘agreed a deal in principle’ said to be worth an initial €43million (£37million), plus bonuses. Our sister title BirminghamLive has reported that Unai Emery’s Villa side have also agreed a fee for Diaby, leaving the forward with a choice to make.
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It remains to be seen whether Arsenal look to hijack a deal for the winger, amid suggestions from Sky Germany he has decided to join Emery at Villa Park. However, the Gunners have already made an overwhelmingly positive start to the summer.
Kai Havertz was the first player to arrive, making a £65million switch from Chelsea, and has so far been used in a midfield role by Mikel Arteta, while Ajax defender Jurrien Timber was next through the door. Declan Rice is the club’s marquee signing and the former West Ham skipper will be looking to make an instant impact after completing his
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