Aston Villa have joined Arsenal and many other clubs in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby this summer. The French forward is expected to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer with a host of Premier League clubs keen on signing the 24-year-old.
Diaby scored 14 goals and provided a further 11 assists in 48 appearances for Xabi Alonso's side last term. The French winger has a similar profile to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka given that he is a left-footed right-winger with bundles of pace - making him a fairly sensible option for the Gunners stylistically.
A report from The Daily Mail has stated that Villa have now entered the race for Diaby's signature with Leverkusen demanding in excess of £50million. Newcastle and Manchester United have also registered a strong interest in the French forward - but Arsenal may be smart to get a deal done for Diaby ahead of their rivals.
Mikel Arteta wants to add a new versatile forward to his squad ahead of a busy 2023/24 campaign for the Gunners and Diaby could be the perfect competitor for Saka. The England international has been heavily relied upon in the last two seasons - playing more minutes than any other outfield Arsenal player last term (3194).
Reiss Nelson has just signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium and remains a key squad player for Arteta - but he is a significant drop off in quality compared to Saka. Diaby's versatility and ability to play a similar way to the England international makes him an attractive proposition and he would help bolster the Gunners' attack as Arteta looks to end the club's wait for a Premier League title.
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L'Equipe reported last month that Arsenal were leading the race for Diaby's signature with the Gunners still looking at bringing in one more attacking option but Villa have now joined the race as well. The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract but Arsenal may enter negotiations with Leverkusen once again after agreeing to allow Xhaka to join the German outfit in a £21.5million deal.
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