Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Moussa Diaby. But, due to how late in the window the Gunners seemed to register interest in him, a deal seemed too difficult to complete as Bayer Leverkusen were reluctant to sell.
However, with the January window fast approaching, Arsenal have another chance to test Leverkusen’s resolve. But, it has now emerged that the Gunners are not the only club interested in the France star.
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According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Manchester United are also considering a move to sign Diaby in the January transfer window. The Red Devils need to strengthen their attack after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo from his contract.
This comes after Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside, claimed that Diaby has been on Edu and Arteta's list since missing out on Raphinha in the summer transfer window. Diaby had his best campaign to date last season, grabbing 13 goals and 12 assists for Leverkusen in 32 Bundesliga games.
Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Romano says Arsenal manager Arteta was a big fan of Pedro Neto as an alternative, though a deal was difficult. In the summer Wolves held out for £50million for the Portugal international.
"Arsenal have the name of Pedro Neto on the list, highly regarded in the club and endorsed by Mikel Arteta. There is no official bid yet and it is not an easy negotiation, as Wolves want more than £50m for the Portuguese talent," Romano said.
"Another appreciated player was Moussa Diaby but Bayer Leverkusen consider him untouchable as of now. They are also offering him a new deal."
The Frenchman has scored two goals in Europe this season. His most recent strike against European powerhouses Atletico Madrid proved pivotal as it kept Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of remaining in Europe alive going into the last matchday, as they managed to qualify for the Europa League knockout stage.
If Arsenal are to pursue a deal in January then they must be prepared to battle it out with potential Premier League competitions. But, with Arsenal at the top of the league, it could prove critical as a negotiation tool.
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