Arsenal are leading the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to reports.
The 23-year-old grabbed a goal and assist during his side's Europa League second leg match against Ferencvaros, helping them to reach the quarter-finals.
The Gunners have a long-standing in Diaby, as Mikel Arteta seeks to add a winger to his squad in preparation for a busy European schedule next season.
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However, they must fend off competition from European giants Paris-Saint Germain, who are thought to want to re-sign him, four years after they let him leave the club.
Arsenal have the edge over PSG
Despite PSG's obvious pull, Arsenal are thought to have the upper hand.
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Due to PSG's financial constraints in the transfer market, journalist Jonathan Johnson reckons the Ligue 1 side may struggle to come up with the funds Leverkusen would be after.
Indeed, Diaby is expected to cost around £62 million. Whilst Mikel Arteta, who has been savvy with his winter spending, could be willing to meet their asking price.
Newcastle have also been rumoured with Diaby, and would have the financial power to compete with Arsenal.
Whilst Johnson states that St James' Park could be a sensible move in Diaby's career, believing it would be a "good fit".
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“He’s arriving at a point in his career now where he needs to make the next step, and perhaps a Newcastle-like project would be a good fit for him in terms of where he’s at right now," Johnson told Caught Offside.
"But I do think there’ll be a number of clubs across Europe looking at him in the next few months, and a return to Ligue 1 has certainly been raised in the last few months.”
“There’s no doubt about it – he’s a much better player than he was when he left PSG, much more developed, and it doesn’t surprise me to see clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle linked with him,” Johnson added.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, Football, Transfers